The recent alerts from a number of Western nations regarding potential terrorist strikes in Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja and other parts of the nation have been criticized as “irresponsible” and “unnecessary” by a top adviser to the Nigerian government.
Why this is happening
Last week, the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, and Australia advised their people against traveling to Nigeria due to the possibility of terrorist attacks there.
What are they saying?
Babagana Monguno, Nigeria’s national security adviser, told reporters following a meeting of the country’s intelligence and military officials, which was presided over by the president, that “any exaggerated sense of insecurity” was unwarranted and that the situation in Abuja was “under control.”
Geofrey Onyeama, Nigeria’s foreign minister, also stated that Nigeria was “fully engaged” with its international allies in order to ensure that their cooperation was constructive and not alarmist.
The effect
The country, which is dealing with a number of security issues including extremist group violence and kidnappings for ransom by armed criminal gangs, was shaken and tense by the alarms.
Many people expressed worries on social media and tried to demand a reply from the government.