The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a security
alert to its citizens staying in the country following the
ongoing Ramadan season.

The alert, which was contained in a statement signed by Stephen P.
Brunette, Executive Director of the Overseas Security Advisory
Council (OSAC), urged its citizens to take extra precautions for their
personal security in this period, Daily Independent reports.


The statement is however, believed to issued following the June 25
bombing that rocked Emab Plaza in Wuse II area of Abuja.
The US mission claimed that insurgents attacks usually takes place on
weekends associated with holidays.

Below is an excerpt from the alert:
"Following the June 25 bombing in the Wuse II neighbourhood of
Abuja, the Government of Nigeria has increased security measures
in Abuja. This weekend also marks the commencement of the month
of Ramadan. Given the history of bombing attacks on weekends (some
associated with holidays), as well as the recent bombing at Emab
Plaza in Wuse II, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria urges all U.S. citizens living
and travelling in Nigeria to take extra precautions for your personal
security and safety. The U.S. Mission urges against non-essential
travel to or within Abuja during the upcoming weekend.
"The U.S. Mission advises all U.S. citizens to be particularly vigilant
around churches and other places of worship, locations where large
crowds may gather, government facilities, and areas frequented by
expatriates and foreign travellers during the upcoming weekend.
Security measures in Nigeria remain heightened due to threats posed
by extremist groups, and U.S. citizens should expect additional police
and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible road blocks
throughout the country.
"We recommend that U.S. citizens travelling to or residing in Nigeria
enrol in the Department of State’s Smart Travellers Enrolment
Program (STEP). STEP enrolment gives you the latest security
updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S.
consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you do not have Internet
access, enrol directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s Bureau of Consular
Affairs website, where you can find current Travel Warnings,
including the Travel Warning for Nigeria, Travel Alerts, and the
Worldwide Caution. “Read the Country Specific Information for
Nigeria. For additional information; refer to the “Traveller’s
Checklist".

Source - news.naij.com/69163.html

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