U.S. security advisory

Already, Washington has been forced by the Iranian missile attacks to shut down or downsize its missions in some Middle-East countries. But there are more far-reaching threats of reprisals against American interests across the globe, including the possibility of lone wolf attacks by agents sympathetic to the Iranian cause. These, in principle, put ordinary Americans in many other countries at risk.

Even in places where there have not been violent reactions, sympathisers of the Iranian cause have peacefully demonstrated their objection to the American-Israeli operation. Here in Nigeria, for instance, there have been peaceful processions by members of the Shi’ite Islamic Movement in Kano, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi and Lagos states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The US embassy in Abuja had, last week, issued an advisory to Americans in Nigeria, warning of possible protests over the Gulf hostilities. In a statement, the authorities warned Americans abroad to remain vigilant.

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“Following the launch of US combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest US embassy or consulate,” the statement advised, adding that Americans could experience travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures linked to the unfolding crisis. Among other things, the Department of State in Washington counselled Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.

In the latest advisory, US authorities advised Americans to exercise increased vigilance when visiting the country’s diplomatic facilities and affiliated institutions in Nigeria. Accordingly, the citizens were urged to take extra precaution when travelling to US diplomatic premises, which should include varying their timing and routes taken.

The embassy also advised the citizens to upscale their awareness of their surroundings and avoid predictable routines, and to review their personal security arrangements as well as that of their family members.

“Be aware of your surroundings, keep a low profile, review your personal security plans, vary your regular routes, keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency, stay alert in public places, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and familiarise yourself with emergency exits when entering buildings,” the embassy added without specifying the source of the threat.

Security advisories are customary tips by foreign governments to their nationals in other countries. But to be clear, the risk to Americans in Nigeria envisaged by US authorities in this latest instance is entirely because of the war being waged by the Donald Trump administration alongside Israel in Iran. In other words, it is a different scenario from when Washington had issued security alerts to Americans because of perceived porosity of the security situation in Nigeria.

In the past, US authorities issued such alerts to their nationals in this country that blindsided the Nigerian government, created panic among the Nigerian citizenry and compelled Nigerian authorities to scramble to reassure the Nigerian public of their safety. That wasn’t the case with the latest advisory by which America was doing some damage control over its war in Iran.

Still, it bears asking whether there has been intelligence sharing with Nigerian authorities over the newly envisaged threats. Against the backdrop of enhanced collaboration between Abuja and Washington in the war against terrorists in Nigeria, we urge proactive intelligence sharing in the present circumstance as well.

By the way, it is a good thing that America keenly looks out for the interest of its citizens everywhere. This is worthy of emulation by other countries.