Nigerian government condemns security alerts issued by foreign missions calling them misleading

NIGERIA'S federal government has expressed strong disapproval of the unverified security alerts recently issued by certain embassies in the country advising their citizens not to travel  to Nigeria as a result of insecurity fears.

Last week, Australia's government  warned its citizens to avoid travelling to Nigeria as it is too dangerous a travel destination  at the moment due to a combination of the recent flooding that has ravaged large parts of the country and violent insecurity. In a notice posted on the website, Australia's consulate listed over 20 states including Abuja, the nation’s capital, which it told its citizens to avoid.

This travel advisory note read:  “There have been significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure caused by severe flooding. Essential services may be disrupted. so follow the advice of local authorities and check the media for updates.

“The potential for terrorism, kidnapping, crime and civil unrest remains high throughout Nigeria. If, despite our advice, you undertake travel within Nigeria, research routes and get professional security advice and support before departing.

Responding to the warning, Nigeria's information minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, admonished media outlets and social media personalities for spreading the security alerts without verifying its authenticity and consequences. Speaking as a panellist at a Unesco meeting in Abuja, Alhaji Mohammed said the warning issued by the embassies, which was not the true position of the security situation in the country, could create unnecessary tension and panic.

Alhaji Mohammed added: “Some media outlets and social media personalities are usually caught spreading unverified information on their platforms just for click bait and the attendant monetary gain. Talking of click bait, this may be what informed the spread of the supposed security alert issued recently by some foreign embassies in Nigeria.

“One would imagine that if indeed this kind of security alert was issued, it was for the attention of citizens of the issuing countries in Nigeria. Suddenly, this alert found its way into the media, both new and traditional, thus creating panic in the polity.

“Schools were shut, businesses were closed, travel plans were altered and lives were disrupted as no one cared to find out about the authenticity of these alerts. They just published, got the benefit of massive click bait and damned the consequences."

He said the threat of disinformation to national and global peace and stability is glaring, as it undermines the trust by citizens in the system. According to Alhaji Mohammed, people must join hands to address the scourge of disinformation, that was threatening global existence.