US Embassy Relaxes Terror Warning On Abuja Upscale Hotels

SAN FRANCISCO, November 10, (THEWILL) – The United States embassy in Nigeria Wednesday toned down the terror alert it issued US citizens in Abuja over the weekend on possible terrorist attacks on Abuja luxury hotels by members of the extremist group, Boko Haram, also known as the Nigerian Talliban.

A statement on the embassy’s website said US government officials and citizens could visit the hotels as increased security checks at the hotels and government facilities has improved security at the locations.

Part of the statement reads, “The U.S. Embassy continues to monitor closely the ongoing threat posed by an extremist group and their stated intention to carry out attacks against the Nigerian Government and western interests in Nigeria.

“The Embassy notes that increased security checks at major hotels, government facilities, and along major roadways over the recent Sallah holiday have improved the security environment to the general public. As a result, and with the Sallah holiday over, the Embassy is updating its warning to U.S. citizens. U.S. Government personnel are no longer instructed to avoid the NICON Luxury, the Sheraton Hotel, and the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. However, the Embassy reminds all U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and personal awareness, particularly in and around Abuja, FCT, near Nigerian government facilities, diplomatic missions, large gathering places, hotels, markets and malls, and places of worship.

“We advise all U.S. citizens to review their personal security plans, remain aware of their surroundings, including local events, monitor local news stations for updates, and report specific incidences of targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U. S. Consulate General in Lagos… U.S. citizens should maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance their personal security.”

Recall that the Nigerian government had dismissed the embassy’s earlier warning describing it as "eliciting unhealthy public anxiety and generating avoidable tension.” National Security Adviser, General Andrew Owoeye Azazi assured the public that government would continue to protect lives and properties under its jurisdiction.