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US warns citizens in Nigeria after Libya attack

The US embassy in Nigeria on Wednesday warned Americans about the threat of attacks by extremist groups following the violence in Libya and Egypt, urging … Continue reading US warns citizens in Nigeria after Libya attack


The US embassy in Nigeria on Wednesday warned Americans about the threat of attacks by extremist groups following the violence in Libya and Egypt, urging extra caution.

The embassy issued the warning following an attack on a U.S. Mission in Benghazi, Libya, yesterday, which killed an ambassador and three other embassy staff.

“The U.S. Mission in Nigeria strongly urges U.S. citizens in Nigeria to consider their personal security and to keep personal safety in the forefront of their planning,” the embassy warned in an emergency message on Wednesday September 12.

The attack on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi, suspected to be carried out by Al Qaeda elements, followed protests against a controversial movie about Prophet Mohammed made by an Isreali-American, Sam Bacile, living in Carlifonia.

The movie sparked protest in Egypt where protesters burned American flags near the American Embassy. The movie also drew widespread condemnation from the Islamic world.

The  U.S Embassy in Nigeria fears terrorists in Nigeria may latch on the spreading rage against the movie to attack its citizens as security conditions in the country remained ”fluid and unpredictable.”

“All U.S. citizens should use caution and discretion when deciding to attend large functions or visit establishments identified as potential targets, and respond appropriately if they detect suspicious activities” the embassy warned.

The Nigeria Police said it has taken “immediate proactive security measures to ensure that no similar violence is replicated within our country.”

The Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, in a press statement said “the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, has placed all police formations across the Federation on red alert.