The Federal Government has responded to a recent travel advisory issued by the United States Department of State, stating that it should not be interpreted as an indication that Nigeria is unsafe.
The advisory, released on Wednesday, recommended the departure of some U.S. embassy personnel and their families from Abuja due to security concerns. It also updated its “Do Not Travel” list to include states such as Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba, following recent incidents of violence.
Reacting on Thursday, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, described the move as a precautionary step taken under the United States’ internal security protocols, rather than a true reflection of conditions across Nigeria.
He acknowledged that certain areas of the country have experienced security challenges but emphasized that these incidents are localized and do not represent a nationwide breakdown of safety.
“While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable,” he said.
He further reassured the public that Nigeria’s security agencies are actively working to protect lives and property, noting that their efforts are beginning to yield positive results.
“Our security agencies remain actively engaged in protecting lives and property, and the results of these efforts are increasingly evident,” he added.
The minister also called on international partners to ensure that their advisories are balanced and reflect current realities, encouraging closer engagement with Nigerian authorities for more accurate assessments.
Recent security incidents have heightened concerns in some regions. These include a March 29 attack in Jos North, where gunmen reportedly killed over 20 people during Palm Sunday celebrations, as well as another incident on April 7 in parts of Niger State that left at least 20 people dead, with additional casualties reported in Kebbi State.
Despite these developments, the government maintains that the overall security situation remains under control, urging both citizens and international observers to avoid generalizations based on isolated events.
