Nigeria ups security as US orders diplomats’ families to leave
Al JazeeraDec 22, 2022
The Facts
On Thursday, Nigeria instructed all strategic police managers to bolster security across the country, especially in Abuja, and ordered all emergency numbers to be activated to ensure a "24/7 prompt response" amid reports of a "heightened risk of terrorist attacks."
This comes after the US State Dept. ordered diplomats' families to leave the capital and also authorized non-emergency personnel to depart. The advisory also urged Americans to reconsider traveling to any part of Nigeria.
The Spin
Narrative A
While Nigerians must remain alert as terrorists are always looking for ways to disrupt a nation's stability, foreign embassies and the media have provoked panic in the nation by spreading unverified and misrepresented information. Nigeria is much safer now as security forces have been proactive in fighting terrorists and bandits.
Narrative B
Nigeria's federal government shouldn't downplay terror alerts issued by Western countries and politicize them, but should take decisive action to ensure the safety of the people across the country. The US Embassy has issued warnings based on intelligence assessments, and it would be irresponsible to downplay these.