UK, US warn of fresh terror attacks on Abuja

The United Kingdom on Sunday warned its citizens in Nigeria to watch their movements as it raised a fresh alert that terrorists might attack some places, especially Abuja.

The United States issued a similar advisory same day over an increased threat of terror attack in the federal capital territory (FCT).

The UK citizens were advised to stay alert and “consider movements carefully, follow the local news and the advice of security authorities”.

The foreign travel advisory cautioned against visits to markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, football viewing centres, displacement camps, transport terminals (including train networks), government buildings — and schools.

The British High Commission in Abuja has said only critical staff will be allowed access to its facility on Monday, October 24.

In a notice seen by TheCable, the BHC said its decision would be binding on all staff.

Parents were also “strongly” advised against sending their children to school.

The development comes on the heels of the United States (US) warning to its citizens about the possibility of terror attacks in the FCT.

The United States also on Sunday issued a security alert, citing an “elevated risk of terror attacks” in the country.

In the alert posted on its website, the US embassy said the federal capital territory (FCT) stands a high risk of attack.

The US embassy said terrorists might target government buildings, places of worship, schools and markets.

Others are recreational centres such as hotels, bars, clubs and restaurants.

It also named sport gatherings, bus or train terminals and international organisations arena as places of risk of attack.