Ekeomah Atuonwu
Heads of Nigerian security agencies told reporters during an emergency security conference with President Muhammadu Buhari that recent terror warnings from foreign missions for the country’s capital, Abuja, were “false” and “irresponsible.” However, security professionals are advising Nigerians to heed to the warnings.
Shortly after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, senior government officials, including the national security adviser, the defense chief, the head of national intelligence, and the foreign affairs minister, held a joint press conference.
The summit takes place after numerous foreign missions in the country of West Africa warned of increased dangers of terrorist attacks, crimes, kidnappings, and intercommunal conflicts, particularly for the capital, Abuja.
The national security adviser, Babagana Monguno, addressed journalists.
“We’re trying as much as possible within the domestic situation to work with our foreign partners without giving the impression that Nigeria is skating on thin ice and we’re about to implode. I’ll want to dispel any illusion about heightened sense of insecurity. It is false, it is irresponsible…,” Monguno said.
The authorities reaffirmed that there is no need for concern and advised people to carry on as usual without becoming afraid.
The American embassy in Abuja was the first to alert the public last week about the possibility of attacks on government structures, houses of worship, schools, markets, and shopping centers in Nigeria.
The U.K., Ireland, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Bulgaria, Finland, and Australia soon followed with similar alerts, and their residents started leaving the city.
Security expert Chidi Omeje expresses disappointment in the government’s approach and urges the public to take the warnings seriously.
“I’m actually confounded that the national security adviser will be the one to make such dismissal of such serious matter,” Omeje said.
“A country like the U.S. has a robust intelligence asset, America ought to be your partner; we must take it seriously.”
Nigeria’s armed forces, though, have heightened alertness around the country. Police said they have beefed up security and ordered the activation of emergency numbers to help officials promptly respond to any incident.
The growing calls for caution have spread fear among many Abuja residents, leading to the shutdown of businesses.
Borno state-based peace and security expert Abba Ali Mustafa says the United States and other nations should have talked with authorities before issuing the warnings.
“Nigeria does have a security architecture and a security system and a functioning government, so what the foreign missions should have done is reach out to Nigerian security units, liaise with them, collaborate with them and pass out this information through the national medium,” Mustafa said.
“I think the position of the government on this matter is on the breaching of the national integrity of the country and nothing much. It might paint a picture of hopelessness.”
President Buhari called for calm last week.
Nigerian forces have been battling Boko Haram and Islamic State militants in the northeast for more than a decade.
In recent years, terror groups have expanded their activities to other regions. In July, Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP, claimed responsibility for a jailbreak in the capital that freed hundreds of inmates, dozens of whom remain at large.
