The United States Embassy in Nigeria has alerted American citizens to a potential terrorist threat targeting United States facilities and U.S.-affiliated schools in Nigeria.
In a security advisory posted on its website on Monday, the embassy urged U.S. nationals in the country to remain cautious and take extra safety measures when visiting American diplomatic missions and institutions linked to the United States.
The notice specifically advised increased vigilance around the embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, as well as schools associated with the United States.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens of a possible terrorist threat against U.S. facilities and U.S.-affiliated schools in Nigeria,” the advisory stated.
It recommended that American citizens adopt precautionary measures, including varying travel times and routes when visiting the embassy, consulate, and affiliated schools.
The mission further advised its nationals to remain alert to their surroundings, keep a low profile, review personal security plans, and ensure their mobile phones remain charged for emergencies.
It also urged them to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations and to take note of emergency exits when entering buildings.
The embassy, however, did not disclose the specific source or nature of the suspected threat.
The warning comes amid heightened global security concerns following rising tensions in the Middle East after strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iran, which reportedly triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Tehran against U.S.-aligned countries.
The development also follows recent protests in Lagos and some northern states by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, who condemned the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, during the strikes by the United States and Israel.
Reports also indicated that Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, the wife of the Iranian leader, died from injuries allegedly sustained during the attacks on their residence in Tehran.
The alert comes months after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly ordered airstrikes targeting jihadist groups in Nigeria on Christmas Day.