US, UK Warn Citizens Over Kuje Prison Attack
The United States and the United Kingdom Governments have issued warnings to their citizens over the recent prison attack in Kuje prison.
They asked their citizens to observe a high state of security in Nigeria’s federal capital territory (FCT).
Gunmen on Tuesday attacked the prison with explosives and over 600 inmates including 64 Boko Haram terrorists were reportedly freed.
The Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the attack.
However, in an advisory to her citizens, the US embassy in Nigeria, said “crime is endemic throughout Nigeria” and it is expected to escalate, warning its citizens to avoid areas that increase the chances of attack.
“The prison lies approximately 27 miles southwest of the Central Business District. An increase in crime is expected in and around Abuja,” the statement reads.
“It is recommended that U.S. citizens should maintain a high state of personal security awareness for the next two weeks and avoid unnecessary travel on the airport road.
“Crime is endemic throughout Nigeria and tends to spike after dark. Avoiding locations and situations that increase the likelihood of being victimized is the best defence. Avoid displays of valuables and limit nighttime activity.”
In the same vein, the United Kingdom government also advised its citizens in Nigeria against travelling to states that have witnessed attacks in recent times.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), noted that United Kingdom citizens are to avoid travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
According to the FCDO, “only essential travel should be made to Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto, Kogi, within 20km of the border with Niger in Kebbi, Abia, non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers, Plateau and Taraba, adding that citizens should be “extra vigilant if in the area”.
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