In its latest Holiday Security Alert, United States is warning its nationals that terrorist organisations and individuals inspired by extremist ideology exist throughout Nigeria.
This is coming as scores of physically challenged persons from the Niger Delta, Nigeria’s oil and gas region were on rampage at the National Assembly on Thursday.
They invaded the National Assembly Complex in Abuja to protest what they termed neglect by their representatives in the parliament.
They forced themselves inside the National Assembly Complex despite resistance by security operatives at the gate.
Security aides of the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, hurriedly moved away his official vehicles parked at the entrance of the Senate new wing.
Spokesperson for the physically challenged persons, Amos Etim, said they arrived at the National Assembly from the various states of Niger Delta to demand their rights from their representatives, claiming also that they were being denied their rights despite being educated.
However, the US Embassy in Nigeria is asking American citizens to exercise caution while travelling and residing in Nigeria.
“Shopping centres, airports, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, transportation hubs, street markets, and other public venues frequented by Westerners are common attack targets”, the embassy said, pointing out that criminal and other elements often infiltrate large gatherings.
In the security alert posted on the embassy’s website, the mission said “crime was endemic throughout Nigeria ranging from petty street crime to carjacking, and crime levels tend to increase during the holidays”.
While noting that public demonstrations which it said were common, could inhibit flow of traffic, the mission admonished Americans to be aware of their surroundings, keep a low profile and carry proper identification.
The advisory advised them to “stay alert in public places and locations frequented by tourists/Westerners,” adding “review your personal security plans and use caution when driving at night and avoid walking after dark.”
