The US embassy in Nigeria warned on Wednesday that Islamist group Boko Haram may be planning attacks in the capital Abuja, including against hotels frequented by Westerners.
“The US embassy has received information that Boko Haram may be planning attacks in Abuja, Nigeria, including against hotels frequently visited by Westerners,” an emergency message to US citizens on its website said.
“The US government has no additional information regarding the timing of these possible attacks. The Nigerian government is aware of the threat and is actively implementing security measures.”
It gave no further information on the threats.
A police spokesman told AFP “we are not aware of any special threat of attacks by Boko Haram or any individual or group.”
“However, police are ever ready and prepared to deal with any situation and security threat to Nigerians and foreigners living in Abuja or any other parts of the country,” said Olusola Amore.
The US issued a similar message in November that drew harsh criticism in Nigeria. No attacks occurred in Abuja in the wake of the November warning.
A US diplomat at the time however said the warning was based on specific and credible information, adding that the embassy had no choice but to warn American citizens.
Boko Haram has carried out scores of attacks, mainly in Nigeria’s predominately Muslim north, that have killed more than 1,000 people since mid-2009.
It claimed responsibility for the August suicide bombing of UN headquarters in Abuja which claimed at least 25 lives.
The group’s deadliest attack yet occurred in the northern city of Kano in January, when coordinated bombings and shootings left at least 185 people dead.
Despite heavy-handed raids and a number of high-profile arrests, Nigerian authorities have appeared unable to stop the attacks.
An attempt to hold indirect talks between Boko Haram and the government in March collapsed after a mediator quit over leaks to the media and the Islamists said they could not trust government officials.
Authorities blamed the deaths of a British and an Italian hostage in northwestern Nigeria in March on a faction of Boko Haram. A spokesman for what is believed to be the main branch of the group however denied any involvement.
US Ambassador to Nigeria Terence McCulley recently urged Nigeria to focus on development in its impoverished north as well as security to bring an end to an onslaught of deadly attacks blamed on Boko Haram.
Analysts say poverty and frustration in the north have pushed young people toward extremism.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest oil producer with some 160 million people, is roughly divided between a mainly Muslim north and predominately Christian south.
The oil-producing south is wealthier and more educated, stoking resentment in the north.
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Posted: at 18-04-2012 11:13 AM (13 years ago) | Addicted Hero
US Ambassador to Nigeria Terence McCulley recently urged Nigeria to focus on development in its impoverished north as well as security to bring an end to an onslaught of deadly attacks blamed on Boko Haram.
Analysts say poverty and frustration in the north have pushed young people toward extremism. This poverty and frustration is or was caused by who? Not the same Northerners that have ruled this nation over the years, Y are they killing the innocent ones instead of going after their brothers that have ruled them for years and nothing to show for. The land they are getting the oil from how many development is found there? Rubbish
Posted: at 18-04-2012 11:33 AM (13 years ago) | Hero
I still believe that the only way the Federal govt. can crush these murderers is by taking the war to them............Pay them in their own coin.........BOMB THEM
Posted: at 18-04-2012 11:51 AM (13 years ago) | Gistmaniac
Opekerebia at 18-04-2012 12:24 PM (13 years ago) (m)
The US Embassy should not tell us things that has got no detail, where did they get their information, from who? They recently advised the Federal Government to negotiate with the Boko Haram, they should leave us alone with our sore because we have the Clinic to treat it, what is their interest? Do they mean they wish us well? The Clinic we have to treat this sore is the Clinic of God. We can solve our problems through prayerful thought and wisdom like the wisdom of Solomon. Nigeria will be intact forever, we dont need assistance but God will solve the problem of the recent security abuse in this country. the Boko Harams are our brothers living within the country, one day they will have a change for good thought and repent and do good.
Posted: at 18-04-2012 12:24 PM (13 years ago) | Newbie
maryclaret at 18-04-2012 01:10 PM (13 years ago) (f)
Quote from: Opekerebia on 18-04-2012 12:24 PM
The US Embassy should not tell us things that has got no detail, where did they get their information, from who? They recently advised the Federal Government to negotiate with the Boko Haram, they should leave us alone with our sore because we have the Clinic to treat it, what is their interest? Do they mean they wish us well? The Clinic we have to treat this sore is the Clinic of God. We can solve our problems through prayerful thought and wisdom like the wisdom of Solomon. Nigeria will be intact forever, we dont need assistance but God will solve the problem of the recent security abuse in this country. the Boko Harams are our brothers living within the country, one day they will have a change for good thought and repent and do good.
Well, prayers are good and all, but we haven't even been helping ourselves and this same God of ours helps us only when we help ourselves.... America may not be looking out for our best interest but theirs because they have people who travel to Nigeria. They are only trying to warn their citizens to take precautions when traveling to Nigeria. As for their source for information, that one is for them to answer.
Ada Mbaise
Posted: at 18-04-2012 01:10 PM (13 years ago) | Gistmaniac
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