The US government has warned its citizens in Nigeria to be security conscious for the next two weeks.
Urging its citizens to avoid unnecessary travel on the Airport Road in Abuja, the US Consulate in Nigeria recommended that US citizens maintain a high state of personal security awareness.
The US government said this in a statement posted on its website.
The warning is coming barely 24 hours after terrorists orchestrated a jailbreak at Kuje Prison in Abuja, freeing over 500 inmates.
“It is recommended that US citizens should maintain a high state of personal security awareness for the next two weeks and avoid unnecessary travel on the airport road.
“Crime is endemic throughout Nigeria and tends to spike after dark. Avoiding locations and situations that increase the likelihood of being victimised is the best defence. Avoid displays of valuables and limit nighttime activity.
“Be aware of your surroundings. Keep a low profile, carry proper identification and monitor local media for updates. Review your personal security plans. Always drive with your windows rolled up and the doors locked. Avoid large gatherings and protests. Review alternative travel routes in case of unexpected protests or unrest.
“Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests. Always keep the doors to your residence locked, even when at home,” the statement said.
Backstory
Last Tuesday, terrorists launched an attack on Kuje correctional center, deploying grenades (RPG) and General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), freeing no less than 600 inmates, including Boko Haram fighters detained at the facility.
Six inmates and one security personnel were killed during the attack. According to the Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Magashi (rtd) of the 994 inmates at the prison, 600 escaped.
Prison officials said at the end of the attack after a roll call taken at 2am, on Wednesday, only 111 inmates were left.
The situation also forced the relocation of other high-profile detainees, notably, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, among others.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, confirmed that Boko Haram inmates had all escaped.
“The attack started around 10:30 pm. They came in their number, gained entrance into the prison and released some of the inmates and which we are now following to see the kind of inmates that they have released.
“Very soon, we will give you the correct figure of the inmates that were taken. Aside from that, we are trying to see what we can do to ensure that all escapees are returned back.
“The prison is accommodating about 994 inmates and over 600 escaped. Many people have been recaptured and brought back to prison. Maybe by the close of the day, more will have been captured and returned.
“I think everything is under control. The people who came to do this activity, from the records, we believe they belong to a particular group. Most likely, they are Boko Haram members because we have a sizable number of Boko Haram suspects in detention, and presently we cannot locate any of them. I think they are about 64 in the prison and none of them now is available, they have all escaped,” the minister said.
ISWAP claims responsibility
In a video released on Wednesday night, the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) claimed responsibility for the attack on Kuje correctional facility.
The video revealed a recording of the attack, with a large group of men chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ and shooting sporadically into the air.
It also captured how cars were set ablaze during the attack.
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