The United States of America has authorised the evacuation of “non-emergency” employees and their family members in Nigeria, few hours after raising the alarm about a possible terrorist attack on Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.

The evacuation became necessary “due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks,” according to an update issued by the US government on Tuesday, October 25.

It stated that terrorists may launch attacks with little or no warning.

Recall that the US government issued a security alert on Sunday, claiming that terrorists were planning attacks on government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transportation terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organisations.

However, the US government has taken further steps to ensure the safety and security of its citizens by ordering the evacuation of some of them.

The updated statement reads in part; “On October 25, 2022, the Department authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks. The U.S. Embassy Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. The U.S. Consulate in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria.”