FG reacts to US Govt evacuation of embassy staff, ‘do not travel’ advisory on 23 Nigerian states
The federal government has said the recent travel advisory issued by the United States is a “precautionary measure based on internal protocols” and does not accurately represent Nigeria’s overall security condition.
In the updated advisory released on Wednesday, the US authorised non-emergency government staff and their family members to leave its embassy in Abuja over worsening security concerns in parts of the country.
Although most of the general risk ratings remained unchanged, Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba states were added to the ‘Do not travel’ list because of terrorism, crime and kidnapping concerns, following recent attacks in those areas.
In a statement on Thursday, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris described the US action as a “routine precaution guided by internal protocols”, stressing that it should not be interpreted as a reflection of the wider situation in Nigeria.
He said that despite “isolated security challenges” in certain locations, there is no collapse of law and order, and most parts of the country remain peaceful.
“While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable,” the statement reads.
“Our security agencies remain actively engaged in protecting lives and property, and the results of these efforts are increasingly evident.
“We encourage our international partners to continuously engage with Nigerian authorities to obtain a more comprehensive and current understanding of the situation on the ground.”
The government also urged foreign partners to ensure balanced and current reporting on Nigeria’s security climate, highlighting ongoing improvements in the sector.
The advisory follows recent violent incidents, including the March 29 attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, where gunmen killed more than 20 residents during Palm Sunday celebrations, and the April 7 killings in parts of Niger and Kebbi states, where at least 20 people were reportedly killed.