The United States (US) on 23rd October, 2022 warned its citizens about the possibility of terror attacks in Nigeria. According to US embassy, the federal capital territory (FCT) stands a high risk of attack.
Countries like UK, Germany, Bulgaria, Denmark, Ireland and others warned their citizens against visiting Nigeria, advising those in Nigeria to either leave FCT (Abuja) or take extreme caution.
Reacting to the strange development, President Muhammadu Buhari implored Nigerians not to panic over the recent travel advisory issued by the United States and United Kingdom governments, warning their citizens to steer clear of Abuja because of the risk of terrorist attack.
President Buhari assured citizens that security operatives are working around the clock to keep harm at bay. He also added that responsible members of the society do not create situations leading to unnecessary panic.
Recently, the terror alert has created panic mainly in Abuja and its environs, forcing residents to engage in panic buying of foodstuffs and other household commodities.
Closure of big malls, construction giants; Julius Berger shutting down their operations in Abuja and environs, the evacuation of families from Abuja by the United States, security agencies such as special forces soldiers, DSS, policemen flood Abuja among others.
WITHIN NIGERIA having carefully studied the entire situation especially the already terrified Abuja populace who sleep in fears and wake up everyday with great hope and prayers that the impeding doom be averted.
While security operatives are working around the clock to make the country safe and avert the impeding doom, the citizens especially residents of Abuja communities and environs equally have great roles to play to either assist security agencies or play safe amid terror alert or attack.
Here are the few things citizens can do to play safe during terror alert:
I) Residents should be extra watchful and take note of every strange faces or movements which must be reported to security agencies.
II) Inter-communal communication: Residents must build strong walls across streets for effective communication.
III) Avoidance of public places or overcrowded areas when necessary.
IV) Residents should be extra vigilant if they must go to public places. Public places like markets, big malls among others with large numbers of people are soft targets for terrorists.
V) Either in public places or private residence, residents must always check the location of emergency exits in every building you enter.
VI) Belongings or properties that have openings must not be abandoned or be left unattended too. These belongings can be used as carriers by terrorists.
VII) All empty, abandoned or uncompleted buildings should be marked, reported and be consistently checked by security operatives with help of local vigilantes in every community.
VIII) All suspicious situations should be reported to security agencies.
IX) There should be a not-to-difficult education on terror and kids should be monitored and thoroughly supervised too.
X) Residents should have official numbers of security operatives that made up the response team including fire service.
However, the Buhari-led administration has assured citizens especially Abuja residents to remain calm, adding that security agencies are doing everything possible to avert terror attacks.
There is no country without security concern. Nigeria will not be an exception. When security threats exist, the ways and manners government and its agencies address these threats matter most.
As security agencies struggle to ensure the possible elimination of these threats, it is very important to clearly state that the best source of security is the government. The performances of the security agencies rely greatly on supports rendered by the citizens.
Aside efficient communications, the citizens should be ready to heed warnings and religiously follow measures as announced by the government.
