Former pesidencial aspirant Peter Obi has described the recent security advisory issued by the United States government as a serious warning sign for Nigeria, saying it reflects declining international confidence in the country’s security situation.
In a statement titled “US Security Alarm on Nigeria: A Bad Omen,” Obi said the evacuation of non-essential staff from the United States Embassy in Abuja should be treated as a national emergency.
“The recent directive by the United States to evacuate its embassy staff from Nigeria due to rising insecurity is deeply worrisome and should be treated as a national emergency, especially for a country already struggling to attract investors,” he said.
The advisory, issued on April 8, urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria over concerns linked to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. It placed Nigeria under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, while designating several states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”
States newly added to the highest-risk category include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba, bringing the total number of high-risk states to 23.
Obi warned that the development could further weaken Nigeria’s investment climate, stressing that no country can attract meaningful foreign investment without guaranteeing safety and security.
He also cited Nigeria’s ranking on the Global Terrorism Index and recent incidents of violence as evidence of what he described as worsening insecurity across the country.
According to him, the advisory signals a loss of confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture, referencing reports of continued attacks, including the killing of a senior military officer in Borno State.
“The US directive is a clear signal of declining confidence in our national security architecture,” Obi said, adding that a country where citizens cannot live, work, or travel safely cannot achieve sustainable development.
He also criticised political leaders for focusing on political competition rather than addressing security challenges, warning that national stability must take priority over electoral considerations.
Meanwhile, the United States Mission in Nigeria has suspended visa appointments at its Abuja embassy, while consular services continue at its Lagos office.
In response, the Federal Government, through Information Minister Mohammed Idris, said the advisory was a routine precaution based on internal US protocols and maintained that government institutions across the country remain fully operational.
