Abuja city gate

The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed recent security concerns raised by the United States Mission in Nigeria, insisting that Abuja, the nation’s capital, remains safe for citizens, residents, and visitors.

The U.S. Embassy had issued a security advisory on Monday, warning American citizens against non-essential travel to military and government facilities in Abuja. The directive, which also prohibits U.S. embassy staff and their families from visiting such locations except for official purposes, cited “increased global security concerns” as the reason for the caution.

“Due to increased security concerns arising from current global developments, U.S. Mission Nigeria informs U.S. citizens that all U.S. Embassy employees and their families are prohibited from non-official travel to a Nigerian military site or other government venue in Abuja at this time,” the advisory read.

Reacting to the development, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said there was no imminent threat in Abuja and that the government remains fully committed to ensuring safety in the capital.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken note of the latest security advisory issued by the U.S. Embassy,” the minister said in a statement. “While we recognise and respect the right of foreign missions to issue advisories, we state categorically that Abuja remains safe for all.”

Idris emphasised that Nigeria’s security agencies are proactive and have recorded “significant successes in detecting, preventing, and neutralising threats.”

He added, “We understand that the U.S. advisory is based on general global developments and does not reflect any specific threat within the FCT. There is no cause for alarm. Our security and intelligence agencies are monitoring developments and are fully prepared to respond decisively to any threat.”

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining Abuja’s reputation as “one of the most secure capitals in the world” and encouraged citizens to remain vigilant while continuing their lawful activities without fear.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has issued a global alert to its citizens, warning that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran could pose increased security risks for Americans abroad. The advisory noted disruptions to travel and the possibility of protests targeting U.S. interests overseas.

“There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad,” the notice added.