The governments of the United Kingdom and the United States have warned their citizens of terrorist groups’ threat to carry out bomb attacks in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, during the Yuletide.

In a travel advisory to its citizens, the UK government listed worship places, malls and markets amongst other places that should be avoided.

    The advisory read: “The risk of terrorist attack increases around religious festivals, so 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.”

In the same vein, the US embassy in Nigeria has asked its citizens to be security conscious and “remain aware of your surroundings”.

    It read: “The US Mission urges all US citizens to exercise caution in and around shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, and other places where crowds gather in and around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 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.”