The Governments of the United States of America and the United Kingdom have raised the alarm on impending attacks on major cities in Nigeria, including Abuja, by insurgent group, Boko Haram.
The positions of the US and the UK were contained in separate Travel Advices to their nationals living in or visiting Nigeria.
The two countries said Boko Haram was planning to carry out the attacks during the upcoming festive period.
The listed areas to be bombed apart from Abuja to include Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe States.
The US, which was the first to issue the Travel Advice last week, said: “The US Mission urges all US citizens to exercise caution in and around shopping centres, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, and other places where crowds gather in and around the Federal Capital Territory, from now through the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season.
Terrorist groups have threatened to conduct bombings and attacks in this area during this period.
“The US Mission remains concerned about potential attacks in the states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe. Travellers are urged to avoid those states through the end of the year.
“Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.”
The Travel Advice of the UK reads: “The risk of terrorist attack increases around religious festivals; so (the threat alert) will be elevated in the run-up to and throughout the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Terrorist groups have threatened to conduct bombings and attacks in the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) area during this period.
“You should avoid places where crowds gather, including religious gatherings and places of worship, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, transport hubs and camps for displaced people.”
