Boko Haram: US lifts restrictions on citizens’ movement •Cautions them to be more careful

THE United States (US) embassy in Abuja has lifted the restrictions on US citizens not to visit establishments identified as potential targets. A security message entitled: “The US Mission in Nigeria issues this emergency message to update US citizens on the current threat situation in Nigeria”, signed by Carol A. Cox, Consular Section chief, said that all US citizens should use caution and discretion when deciding to attend functions or visit establishments identified as potential targets. According to the statement, after reviewing the current threat environment and increased security measures instituted by the Nigerian security forces throughout Abuja, the US embassy in Abuja has decided to end temporary restrictions on US mission personnel and families from visiting places of worship and the curfew instituted at the end of June. It noted that because of ongoing security concerns within the Federal Capital Territory, US citizens should continue to expect heavy traffic congestion, roadblocks, and significant police/security force deployments. Consequently, the statement added that all citizens should remain vigilant of their surroundings, limit exposure to large crowds and keep their cellular phones in close proximity for use in cases of emergency. “They have threatened churches, mosques, media houses, police stations, immigration and customs offices, financial institutions, large hotels, shopping malls and markets, state government offices, communications centre, beer gardens, and night clubs. “Attackers have also burned and destroyed several public and private schools in Borno, and targeted several educational institutions in Kano and churches in Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, Niger and Borno states. As such, the situation in the country remains fluid and unpredictable. The US Mission in Nigeria strongly urges US citizens in Nigeria to consider their personal security and to keep personal safety in the forefront of their planning,” the statement said.