US Embassy Warns Of Possible Terror Attacks In Nigerian Luxury Hotels
SAN FRANCISCO, November 06, (THEWILL) – The United States Embassy in Nigeria has said it has received intelligence that the radical Islamic sect Boko Haram intends to attack several locations and hotels in Abuja during the Sallah holiday. It said potential targets include luxury hotels in Abuja including the Nican Luxury, Transcorp Hilton and the Sheraton Hotels.
In a Saturday advisory posted on its website warning American citizens, it said all US government personnel have been instructed to avoid the locations.
Boko Haram, which intelligence officials say has linked up with the African Talliban and Al shabaab has claimed responsibility for several bomb attacks including the Friday attacks in Yobe and Borno States.
The US advisory reads:
“Emergency Message For American Citizens (November 05, 2011)
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria issues the following emergency message for the attention of all U.S. citizens in Abuja, Nigeria.
Following the recent Boko Haram, aka Nigerian Taliban, attacks in Borno and Yobe State, the U.S. Embassy has received information that Boko Haram may plan to attack several locations and hotels in Abuja, Nigeria, during the Sallah holiday. Potential targets may include the Nicon Luxury, the Sheraton Hotel, and the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
“All U.S. Government personnel have been instructed to avoid these locations, and previously scheduled events have been cancelled. American citizens should expect additional police and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible road blocks in Abuja for the foreseeable future.
“The U.S. government has no additional information regarding the timing of the possible attacks.
“The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to exercise additional caution. Please maintain a high state of vigilance and personal awareness, particularly in and around Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, 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 at the numbers below. U.S. citizens should maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance their personal security. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad.
“U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Nigeria are strongly advised to enroll through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of emergency.”