Fewer than 24 hours after issuing a notice about claimed planned terrorist attacks in Nigeria, a group calling itself the Coalition of Nigerians for National Sovereignty and Unity (CONNSU) has condemned the United States Government for evacuating its citizens from Nigeria.
Hours later, the UK had sent its people living in Nigeria a similar security warning.
The action could “weaken the will and strident efforts of the Nigerian security architecture notwithstanding considerable wins over forces that pose existential threats to Nigeria,” according to CONNSU. It is not just capable of inciting panic among Nigerians.
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The Federal Government had also expressed disapproval of the security alerts, claiming that they didn’t accurately reflect the nation’s security condition and could lead to unnecessary tension and panic.
Such announcements are supposed to assist rather than cause fear, according to a statement from CONNSU signed by its National Coordinator, Musa Taidi, and National Secretary, Chijioke Kalu.
The statement said, “However, the CONNSU is alarmed that less than 24 hours after the initial security alert, the United States Embassy in Nigeria will authorize the departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members due to what it termed “the heightened risk of terrorist attacks.”
“This is an overreach and we believe designed to cause panic and weaken the resolve and strident efforts of the Nigerian security architecture amidst great gains over elements that pose existential threats to Nigeria.”
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The group underlined that Nigerian security officials had warned the country months earlier of terrorists’ plans to attack soft targets there and reassured citizens that they were working to stop the schemes.
“So, for the U.S to ask for the departure of its citizens in the face of the commitment and tireless effort of the Nigerian Government and its security apparatus is a great disservice and premature.
“While we are not unmindful of the obligation of the U.S and UK Governments to their citizens, we believe working closely with the Nigerian Government and strengthening ongoing clearance field and intelligence operations will be more meaningful than back-to-back advisories.
“Over the past few months, the Nigerian security community has been routing terrorists, bandits and ESN elements across the country. As a result of these, most of these elements are on the run, scattered, weakened and cornered. Owing to their superior technology, the U.S and UK governments should provide credible leads to the Nigerian security especially the DSS rather than stoking fear in the run up to a major election in 2023.
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“We urge fellow citizens to support the effort of the Government and security forces in defeating our common enemies as has always been the case. As a people, we have continually braved the odds and demonstrated unapparelled resilience when those who should fully support us engaged in projections that are negative,” the group added.
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