The United States on Thursday ordered its non-emergency diplomatic staff and their families to leave the Nigerian capital, Abuja, citing a “heightened risk of terrorist attacks.”
The US State Department did not specify the threat, but its country summary for Nigeria warns that “terrorists may attack with little or no warning,” targeting malls, markets, hotels, restaurants, bars, or schools.
The latest US security move comes after the embassy on Sunday urged Americans to limit their movements due to an “elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically in Abuja” — a warning repeated by Britain, Canada, and Australia.
Abuja has historically been seen as safe, but insurgents linked to the Islamic State group have claimed several attacks in surrounding areas over the past six months.
The Federal Government has urged residents to stay calm and to take “necessary precautions.”