The United States Embassy in Nigeria has urged its citizens in the country to be more security conscious before, during and after the 2019 general elections. It raised the alarm that the ISIS in West Africa (ISWA) and Boko Haram terrorist groups had indicated intention to disrupt the upcoming 2019 presidential elections by conducting attacks on Nigerian security system and infrastructure, as well as places of gathering such as markets, hotels and malls.
The Embassy said it was relying on propaganda video evidence, from the terrorists organisations, specifically targeted at the country and the ongoing civil unrest in Borno State and the Northeast, in general.
In an online Security Alert issued by the Embassy on Friday, January 18, 2018, it alerted the Nigerian public that, “There is an increase in ISIS propaganda videos specifically directed to Nigeria and the ongoing civil unrest in Borno State and the Northeast.
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“ISIS West Africa (ISWA) and Boko Haram have both stated they plan to disrupt the upcoming 2019 presidential elections by conducting attacks on Nigerian Security and infrastructure, as well as places of gathering such as markets, hotels, and malls.”
Though the Embassy said it had no specific threat information to its offices in the country, it, however, urged its citizens in Nigeria to be guided by personal security precautions on a regular basis.
The Embassy also urged its citizens to expect additional police and military checkpoints and possible roadblocks throughout the country; to carry proper identification about; to exercise caution when walking or driving at night and also to review travel routes and times to reduce time and place predictability.
The Embassy also urged its citizens “to avoid crowds and demonstrations; to be aware of your surroundings and to keep a low profile during the period.”
American citizens in the country were also charged to “stay alert in public places, including schools, hospitals, government facilities, places of worship, tourist locations, and transportation hubs; review personal security plans; monitor local media for updates and also review the Travel Advisory for Nigeria.”
