Tension in Abuja over foreign alert on terrorists’ attack , DSS calls for calm as US, UK issue warning

There is palpable tension in the Federal capital territory (FCT), Abuja over the foreign alert on possible terrorist attack in the country. The Department of State Services (DSS), however, called for calm in country, urging  residents of the Abuja to remain calm as the United States and Britain issued warning of a possible terrorist attack in Abuja, the nation’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The DSS assured Nigerians that the security agencies are right on top of the situation.

The US and United Kingdom (UK), raising the terror alert on Sunday, had stated that the attack would be especially aimed at government buildings, places of worship, schools, and other centres where large crowds gather.

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, in a statement, declared: “there is an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically Abuja” and added that shopping malls, law enforcement facilities and international organisations were among places at risk.

“The U.S. Embassy will offer reduced services until further notice”.

The UK, in its foreign travel advice,  alerted Nigerians to be on the lookout, noting that the terror groups operating in the country are plotting to carry out indiscriminate attack  in the FCT.

The travel advice read: “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Nigeria. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could affect western interests, as well as places visited by tourists.”

The DSS in a statement by the Media Director, Peter Afunanya, declared: “DSS has received several enquiries relating to the security advisory issued by the US Embassy in Abuja, today, 23/10/22.

“The public may recall that the Service had variously issued similar warnings in the past.

“While advising that necessary precautions are taken by all and sundry, the populace is enjoined to remain alert and assist security agencies with useful information regarding threats and suspicious criminal acts around them.”