The State Department issued the following statement regarding Nigeria today. CCI notes with interest that the first location for which the State Department urges “particular vigilance” are churches and places of worship. Although recent Boko Haram attacks against churches have been primarily in rural northeast Nigeria, there is a history of attacks on churches in Jos and other more central and urban venues. As noted in CCI’s Special Advisory of June 27, we believe that Boko Haram targeting of western missionaries and faith-based workers is increasingly likely.
Here is the relevant text of the State Department warning:
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Abuja (Nigeria), Security in Abuja
6/30/2014
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria issues the following security message for the attention of all U.S. citizens in Nigeria.
Following the June 25 bombing in the Wuse II neighborhood of Abuja, the Government of Nigeria has increased security measures in Abuja. This weekend also marks the commencement of the month of Ramadan. Given the history of bombing attacks on weekends (some associated with holidays), as well as the recent bombing at Emab Plaza in Wuse II, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria urges all U.S. citizens living and traveling in Nigeria to take extra precautions for your personal security and safety. The U.S. Mission urges against non-essential travel to or within Abuja during the upcoming weekend.
The U.S. Mission advises all U.S. citizens to be particularly vigilant around churches and other places of worship, locations where large crowds may gather, government facilities, and areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers during the upcoming weekend. Security measures in Nigeria remain heightened due to threats posed by extremist groups, and U.S. citizens should expect additional police and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible road blocks throughout the country.