The federal government says the recent travel advisory issued by the US government is a “precautionary measure based on internal protocols”.
In an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the US government authorised non-emergency government employees and government employee family members to leave its embassy in Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.
Though most of the overall risk indicators remained, Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states were added to the ‘Do not travel’ list due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. The changes were effected following recent attacks in some of the states.
In a statement on Thursday, Mohammed Idris, minister of information, described the US decision as a “routine precaution guided by internal protocols” which does not reflect the country’s situation.
The minister said while there are “isolated security challenges” in Nigeria, there is no breakdown of law and order, noting that the country remains stable. He urged international partners to engage in “balanced and up-to-date reporting that reflects the progress being made” in the security sector.
“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.”
On March 29, gunmen invaded the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba, Jos north, killing more than 20 residents and injuring several others. The attack coincided with the Christian celebration of Palm Sunday.
