This order came just three days after US authorities warned of an increased risk of terrorist attacks in Nigeria, particularly in Abuja.
It was noted that as a result, the US embassies in the country will provide reduced services until further notice.
According to the US Mission’s security advisory, “Terrorist attacks are on the rise in Nigeria, particularly in Abuja. Government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transportation terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organizations are all potential targets. Until further notice, the US Embassy will provide reduced services.”
It advised Americans to avoid all unnecessary travel and movement, among other things.
The UK government also warned its citizens in Nigeria to be on the lookout for a “increased threat of terrorist attack in Abuja.”
“Attacks could be indiscriminate and affect Western interests as well as tourist destinations,” it said.
According to Reuters, the US government has also authorized non-emergency government employees and their families to leave the country due to the increased risk of terrorist attacks in Nigeria.
“The US Embassy Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to US citizens in Nigeria,” according to the State Department.
Nigeria has one of the world’s highest terrorism threat levels.
Despite a general decrease in terror-related deaths, the country recently ranked ninth in the world in terms of the number of people killed in terrorist attacks, trailing only Afghanistan. In Nigeria, several militant groups are active, resulting in attacks on both civilian and military targets.
Boko Haram is by far the deadliest, operating primarily in the country’s north. Certain deaths have also been attributed to Fulani extremists, while other herdsmen, farmers, and ethnic groups have been involved in violent clashes.