More Foreign missions in Nigeria have raised alerts on an impending attack on Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja. The embassies of Denmark, Ireland, Bulgaria, Finland and Germany in Abuja have raised similar alerts following that of the US and UK.
There have been reports hat the US and UK on Sunday issued separate security advisories warning of an elevated risk of terror attacks in Abuja. Following the alert, the State Security Service (SSS) advised Nigerians to remain calm but cautious.
The US Department of State in a further escalation of the threat approved the departure of its citizens willing to leave Nigeria due to the alert. The US embassy also suspended consular services in Abuja.
But the federal government through the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed had since dismissed the advisories and specifically said the United States was also not safe. 
Despite the assurances by the Nigerian government, other foreign missions have continued to advise their citizens to avoid non-essential travels to Nigeria in light of a possible attack on Abuja.
Denmark in its advisory told its citizens that, “there are currently reports of increased risk of terrorist attacks, particularly in Abuja. Exercise caution, especially in and around Abuja. Follow developments via the local media, authorities or your hotel. Always follow the instructions of the local authorities.”
It added that Nigeria is characterized by unrest in several parts of the country and advised against all non-essential travel to the entire country, including Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt.
“The risks are so serious that you should have special reasons for visiting the area/country,” Denmark added.
Meanwhile, a senior intelligence source in Nigeria described the US government’s action as “disgusting and a slap on Nigerian authorities”.
He said, “We always share intelligence with them for the purpose of personal safety and possible collaboration. If a challenge arises they should give us a chance and opportunity to work on it rather than jump the ship and create panic.”
He said it was “Disappointing that the US will act in this way when they didn’t do something like this during Abuja’s worst times”.
Germany
The German Foreign Office, in its latest travel advice, cautioned its nationals against non-essential travel to Abuja at present.
In a travel advisory on its website dated October 27, the German government urged its citizens to limit journeys within Abuja to the absolute minimum, avoid crowds and busy public places, and be extra vigilant and prudent.
The government also urged its nationals not to travel to certain areas of Nigeria, except where necessary.
Bulgaria
A travel advisory on the website of Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “We recommend that Bulgarian citizens residing short-term or long-term on the territory of Nigeria, and especially in the capital, limit only to urgent cases, refrain from visiting public events and avoid the clusters of people around government institutions, markets, shopping centers and entertainment complexes.”
Denmark
Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on its website, said Nigeria is experiencing unrest in several parts of the country, and that there are currently reports of an increased risk of terrorist attacks, particularly in Abuja. It, therefore, urged its citizens to exercise caution, especially in and around Abuja.
The ministry also advised its nationals against all travel to the states of Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Abia, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Cross River.
Ireland
Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, in a travel alert on its website dated October 24, 2022, urged its nationals in Abuja to review their personal security situation, stay alert, and avoid gatherings and all non-essential movement within the city.
It also advised against all travels to several states in Nigeria citing security concerns and flooding.
There are also reports from the Embassy of the Netherlands in Nigeria that the Dutch government is also planning to review its travel advisory to Nigeria. “Latest advisory will be posted on the website,” an embassy official said.
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