The Nigerian federal government asserts that it is in control of the country’s security situation and adds that every nation in the world faces some sort of security difficulty.
The administration also issued a warning, saying it would not be frightened or stampeded by the recent travel warnings issued to American citizens.
Lai Mohammed, the minister of information and culture, stated this position to reporters on Wednesday at the State House in Abuja.
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All hands must be on deck to support the government, military, and security forces in battling crime, he insisted, imploring America and Nigerians to be on the government’s side rather than spreading unconfirmed reports.
While assuring Nigerian citizens and other inhabitants of their complete safety, the Minister underlined that there is no reason for concern or panic.
Mohammed made this statement in light of the American government’s warning on Sunday about a potential terrorist assault in Abuja and another update on Tuesday advising against visiting select particular states in the nation.
The nation’s security forces are continually assessing tactics to limit and restrict the operations of the terrorists, but the information minister urged restraint.
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Given the multiple instances of school shootings and other violent crimes in America, he questioned whether Nigerian citizens living in the US also feel completely protected.
He contends that the United States ought to exert the same effort it does to anticipate a potential terrorist strike in Nigeria in order to anticipate and avert the subsequent school massacre or senseless slaughter on American territory.
“This so-called travel advisory, as far as we’re concerned as a government, we have, in the last few months, taken a firm handle of security,” Mohammed said.
He added that; “What I said is that clickbaiting, which is you find a story which is not verified and you immediately share it, always causes panic. But I want to reassure both citizens, non-Nigerians, Nigerians living in this country, that security agencies are on top of this matter.”
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The Minister further stated that all necessary measures would be taken to prevent any terrorist act.
He advised the American government not to try to spread fear in Nigeria.
He said; “Of course, the terrorists would not stop to try to embarrass or intimidate government but what I’m saying is that this country is safe. And there’s no cause for alarm. No cause to panic.
“Unfortunately, because of that travel advisory on Sunday, many schools were closed, shops were closed, travel plans were disrupted. We don’t need it. The security, our soldiers, our police are working round the clock to contain any terrorist attack. This is where we stand.
“I read it that those on non-emergency should leave Nigeria. You see, [it’s] just like if Nigeria mission in the US also sends a travel advisory and warning in Houston and says ‘look, don’t go; don’t take your children to school, because there could be mass shooting tomorrow’. I mean, it is within their rights to say that their people should go home if they want to.
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“But we, as a country, have a responsibility to keep our country safe, and we’re not going to be, you know, stampeded at all by whatever any government decides to tell his people.
“The concrete step is that people should stop spreading unverified news. You see, look how many school shootings happen in the US? How many senseless killings happened in the US? So, have they been able to predict what’s going to happen next; which school is going to be a victim next? Do Nigerians in the US also feel safe?
“I think you should stop demarketing your home country. Every country has its security challenges. We have ours and we are facing them. Which side are you? American side?”
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