*President Muhammadu Buhari assures Nigerians their safety remains the highest priority of the government, disclosing ‘attacks are being foiled’ while security agents are proactively rooting out threats to keep the citizens safe in the West African country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to the recent security alarm raised by some foreign countries’ Embassies and High Commissions, President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerian security establishments and the citizenry to continue being vigilant and careful with security matters.

Buhari noted this is important to avoid panic.

Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement issued Friday, October 28, 2022, in Abuja, FCT, said President Buhari advised Nigerians and foreigners resident in the West African country  to remain calm in the wake of the recent changes in travel advice from the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) Governments.

The Presidency also noted the situation should not be a cause for panic in the country.

Buhari further stated that Nigeria is no exception in having terror threats listed in foreign government’s travel advice to their citizens.

According to him, the UK and US travel advisories also state there is a high likelihood of terror attacks in many Western European countries.

Security agents working round the clock, says President

The statement said: “Indeed, the UK and US advice to their respective citizens for travel to one another’s countries contain the same warning. Unfortunately, terror is a reality the world over.

“However, it does not mean an attack in Abuja is imminent.”

The President also said: “Since the July prison raid (at Kuje), security measures have been reinforced in and around the FCT.

“Heightened monitoring and interception of terrorist communications ensure potential threats are caught further upstream.”

The statement further noted: “Attacks are being foiled. Security agents are proactively rooting out threats to keep citizens safe – much of their work unseen and necessarily confidential.

“Nigerians’ safety remains the highest priority of government.

“Security services are working around the clock to keep harm at bay.”

It said: “The President gives assurances that the government is on top of the security situation in country.

“While noting, in addition that security threats are real, and have been with us for a long while, the nation’s military, the police and other security agencies have shown a capability to deal with it, as is evident from the fact that a majority of our partners, including the United Nations agencies in our midst have not seen the threat as being sufficient to warrant any form of panic or order citizen evacuations.”

The Federal Government as well stated: “The President stresses that while being security conscious, being alert and careful is crucial, it is also important that responsible members of the society do not create situations leading to unnecessary panic.

“President Buhari commends the military and other security agencies for the recent turn around in the nation’s security, and directs that additional precautionary measures be put in place and that these must not slacken now, and during the upcoming festive period.

“President Buhari expresses optimism that given the ongoing efforts on the part of the military and other security and intelligence agencies with the active support of the civilian population, the nation will emerge victorious against the current challenges facing it.”