The escape of more than 400 detainees, including dozens of jihadists, from an Abuja prison in July increases the risk of “terrorist attacks”.
Le Monde
The United States ordered on Thursday October 27 to their non-essential diplomatic staff and their families to leave Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, because of the “increased risk of terrorist attacks”, according to a statement from the department of State.
Tuesday, Washington had already authorized these people to leave the city if they wanted. Several Western embassies, including that of the United States, have also recently recommended that their nationals are limited to the country.
The inhabitants of Abuja and its surroundings, in particular Western diplomats, are increasingly concerned about insecurity following a massive escape in July at Kuje prison, in the suburbs of Abuja.
zones that are difficult to secure
More than 400 detainees had escaped, notably dozens of alleged jihadists. Police and the army had announced that they had strengthened the security measures in and around the capital but Abuja is surrounded by mountainous and wooded areas which are difficult to secure.
Following multiple Western warnings, the Nigeria authorities have assured that “all the necessary precautions had been taken”.
The jihadists generally attack in regions of northeast Nigeria, far from the federal capital, but Islamist cells exist in other regions of the country.