Terror Alert: Canada, Australia Warn Against Possible Terrorist Attack

Australian and Canadian authorities have issued travel advisories on Nigeria, warning their citizens to be on alert over a possible terrorist attack in Abuja.

CityNews reports that the warning is coming 72 hours after the US and UK had said terrorists were plotting to strike in Nigeria’s capital.

The US Embassy had in a statement on Sunday announced that it would offer reduced services until further notice and urged American citizens to avoid non-essential movements.

The statement added that possible targets by the terrorists may include government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organizations.

Also, in an advisory issued on Sunday by its Embassy in Abuja, the United Kingdom advised its citizens in Nigeria to stay alert and consider their movements carefully.

The British government also urged its citizens to follow the local news and the advice of security authorities in order not to be victims of a terrorist attack.

In its advisory on Wednesday, the Australian government advised its citizens to reconsider the need to travel to Nigeria.

The country listed Abuja and surrounding areas as places of possible high threats of terrorist attack and kidnapping, adding that those who have to travel to Nigeria are at risk of terrorist attacks, kidnappings violent civil unrest and crime.

It said: “The potential for terrorism, kidnapping, crime and civil unrest remains high throughout Nigeria. If, despite our advice, you undertake travel within Nigeria, research routes and get professional security advice and support before departing.”

In its advisory, Canada warned its citizens to avoid non-essential trips to Nigeria, “including in Abuja, due to the unpredictable security situation throughout the country and the significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings”.