We Won’t Tolerate Frivolous Security Advisory Again, Federal Govt Warns Embassies

The federal government has warned foreign embassies to desist from issuing security advisories thereby creating tension in the country.

The minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed who stated this at the 25th ministerial briefing on the score card of President Muhammadu Buhari in the ministry of Defence, commended security agencies for keeping faith and ensuring no threat in the city despite the “frivolous security advisory”.

He said though the embassies issued the warnings, three months down the line, there has been no security breach in the country.

He commended security agencies for their sacrifices to keep Nigerians safe.

“Recall, ladies and gentlemen, that in October 2022, the US and UK embassies in Nigeria issued travel advisories warning their citizens to avoid Abuja due to the risk of a terrorist attack. This advisory created much panic in the country. As a matter of fact, a number of Americans were reported to have fled Abuja in the wake of the warning.

“Recall also that in our reaction to the advisory, we reassured Nigerians and non-Nigerians living in the country of their safety and noted that our security agencies are on top of the matter. Almost three months after the frivolous advisory, residents of Abuja have been going about their businesses without any threat.

“It is this light that we want to, once again, commend our gallant troops, the police, the intelligence agencies and all other security agencies for their commitment and sacrifice to keep our country safe.”

“We also call on Nigerians to continue to support the security agencies as they carry out their onerous task, while echoing Mr. President’s call on Western countries to stop issuing frivolous travel advisories on Nigeria”.

The minister of defence, major general Bashir Magashi (rtd), said the administration approved an increase in the recruitment of manpower across the three services.

He said the Nigerian Army increased its recruitment from 3000 per intake to 6500 per intake officers.