MADRID, 28 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The United States has ordered this Thursday the departure of its non-essential diplomatic personnel, as well as their families, from Abuja, the Nigerian capital, due to the “increased risk of terrorist attacks”.
The US State Department has issued the departure order two days after it requested the voluntary departure of the diplomatic service and their families.
The department’s deputy spokesman, Vedant Patel, speaking to reporters on Wednesday clarified that the move was still voluntary.
“Yesterday the department approved authorized departure — a technical term in this situation — for non-emergency U.S. government officials and family members in Abuja. We made this voluntary departure decision out of an abundance of caution related to elevated risk.” of terrorist attacks, specifically in Abuja,” Patel explained.
US authorities have warned that the targets may include places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, sports venues, transportation terminals, police installations and international organizations.
The US Embassy in Abuja reported earlier this week that, due to the heightened risk of attacks, it would offer “reduced services until further notice. Meanwhile, the consulate in Lagos would be providing” all routine and emergency services.
In addition, the delegation of the North American country recommended avoiding all non-essential movements, staying alert, avoiding crowds, reviewing security plans and having a charged phone, and carrying adequate identification.
On the other hand, like Washington, the United Kingdom, Canada, Israel and Australia have issued these types of considerations on essential travel to Nigeria.
The British Foreign Office warned British citizens on Wednesday to avoid trips to the territory of the Nigerian capital.
“There is an increased threat of a terrorist attack in Abuja. You should remain vigilant, avoid non-essential travel within the city and follow local news and advice from security authorities. The British High Commission remains open for essential services,” indicates a statement from the ministerial portfolio.
Canada has also joined the warnings of its citizens in the African country, indicating the warning to “avoid all non-essential travel”.
“Due to the unpredictable security situation in the country and the increased risk of terrorism, crime, inter-community clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings,” the Canadian cabinet justifies.
The Australian Executive has spoken along these lines, recommending that citizens “reconsider their need to travel to Nigeria due to the high threat of attacks, instability and possible violent civil unrest.” “The highest (warning) levels apply,” he added.
Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) has subsequently issued a travel advisory urging Israelis to avoid non-essential visits to the African country.
“In recent days there has been an increase in terrorist threats in Nigeria. In this context, fear of possible terrorist attacks is growing in various parts of the country, with emphasis on the capital, Abuja,” reads a letter from the institution published this Thursday.
Thus, it urges Israeli citizens to avoid non-essential travel, and to shorten the stay of those who are in Nigerian territory. This travel advisory includes a high threat level in the north of the country.
