US warns its citizens in Nigeria of possible attacks by Boko Haram and Isis during elections

WASHINGTON has warned that Boko Haram and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis)  are planning to disrupt Nigeria's forthcoming elections with a bombing campaign that will involving attacking public venues and markets.

Next month, Nigeria goes to the polls with presidential elections taking place on February 16 and governorship contests holding on March 2. With both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), confident their candidates will win, the political temperature is rising in what is expected to be a tight race.

Yesterday, things became more heated with the PDP presidential candidate former vice president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar walked out of a presidential debate because incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari refused to attend. Alhaji Abubakar had flown back from the US where he and senate president Senator Bukola Saraki had visited to meet up with several congressional leaders but upon arriving at the venue of the debate when he found out that President Buhari would not attend.

Now the US has warned its citizens in Nigeria of a plan by Isis and Boko Haram in a statement published on its website on January 18, saying the insurgent groups plans to attack public places and government infrastructures.  According to the alert, the embassy said it did not have information on whether such attacks were targeted at its embassy or not but asked US citizens in Nigeria to remember to follow personal security precautions on a regular basis.

“There is an increase in Isis propaganda videos specifically directed to Nigeria and the ongoing civil unrest in Borno state and the northeast. Isis West Africa (Iswa) and Boko Haram have both stated they plan to disrupt the upcoming 2019 presidential elections by conducting attacks on Nigerian security and infrastructure, as well as places of gathering such as markets, hotels, and malls.

“While we have no specific threat information to the US embassy or within Nigeria during the election season, US citizens in Nigeria should remember to follow personal security precautions on a regular basis. US citizens should avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile and to stay alert in public places, including schools, hospitals, government facilities, places of worship, tourist locations, and transportation hubs," the statement added.

In addition, the embassy further urged its citizens to carry proper identification, including a US passport with a current Nigerian visa if needed and to exercise caution when walking or driving at night. During the elections, the US intends to send monitors to Nigeria to observe the polls.