The Republic of Ghana has said a travel advisory warning its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, over security threats was not authorised.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on Wednesday issued a travel advisory, advising citizens to “avoid non-essential travel to Abuja, due to the unpredictable security situation in the city, and the high danger of terrorism, criminality, inter-communal conflict, armed attacks, and kidnappings”.
However, the Ministry in a media release on Thursday, titled: “Travel Advisory. Re: Security Update In Abuja, Nigeria,” apologised and said the Travel Advisory issued on Wednesday was not authorised.
Ghana Makes U-Turn
The statement read, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration wishes to refer to the travel advisory published this evening, Wednesday 16th November 2022 advising against non-essential travel to Abuja and wishes to state that the statement was unauthorised.
“The Ministry is not aware of any threat targeted at Ghanaians who continue to live in harmony with their Nigerian brothers and sisters.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration regrets any inconvenience this may have caused to the travelling public.”
Ibom Focus had reported that the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Germany, Turkey and Austria in October issued advisories to their citizens, warning against non-essential travel to Nigeria over threats of attacks.
The US subsequently directed its non-emergency staff to immediately depart from Nigeria over the fear of a possible terror attack in Abuja.
The directive came barely three days after its authorities warned that there was an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, especially in Abuja.
It noted that as a result of that, the US Embassies in the country will offer reduced services in the country until further notice.
The advisory issued by the US Mission said, “There is an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically in Abuja. Targets may include but are not limited to, government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organizations. The U.S. Embassy will offer reduced services until further notice.”
Nigerian authorities have however insisted that there is no cause for alarm and that they are working to avert any security threat.
But the initial warning caused apprehension among residents, leading to the shutdown of businesses and activities in some parts of Abuja.
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