Eid-il-Fitri holiday: US warns Lagos hotels of possible terror attacks

• Advises citizens to avoid hotels frequented by expatriates, on waterfronts
• We’re aware of the warning and working hard to ensure nothing of such happens – Lagos Police chief
• Troops kill four Boko Haram terrorists in Borno ambush, avert attack

The United States on Tuesday warned of possible attacks against expatriates and foreign visitors in Nigeria’s biggest city, Lagos, during public holidays marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

“The US Mission in Nigeria advises that groups associated with terrorist activity might be planning attacks against hotels in Lagos frequented by international visitors, including those located on waterfronts, during the Eid al-Fitr holidays,” it said.

Tuesday and Wednesday are public holidays in Nigeria and the traditional end of a month of fasting and prayer is marked by celebrations across the country.

The US warning, posted on its embassy’s website, is unusually specific but not the first about possible attacks in locations frequented by expatriates.

A similar security warning was given in December last year, while in May 2014 diplomats warned of a possible attack at two Sheraton hotels in Lagos, after a car bombing in the capital, Abuja, killed 19 just days before a major economic summit.

Similar warnings were given in April 2012 and November 2011 about hotels popular with Westerners in Abuja.

The US Embassy’s latest warning did not mention a specific group but urged its citizens to “review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates.”

Reacting to the warning by the US, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni  said the command was ready to nip any such terror attack in the bud.

Speaking to the Daily Times on telephone, Owoseni said, “we are very much aware of the warning and we have positioned policemen everywhere. We will be on patrol day and night to ensure that nothing of such happens. As I speak to you, we have been on patrol all day.”

Meanwhile, troops of 118 task force battalion, 8 task force divisions have ambushed some Boko Haram terrorists along Gerere junction, Kukawa Local Government area, on the northern part of Borno State.

According to a statement by acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, the Boko Haram terrorists were suspected to be fleeing from the advancing troops of 119 task force battalion presently mopping the general area of Kangarwa in Kukawa Local Government Area.

During the operation, the troops killed four Boko Haram terrorists carrying logistics items. The troops recovered 48 jerry cans containing 1,440 litres of premium motor spirit, automatic gasoline oil, 8 motorcycles out of which 2 were destroyed, 21 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, 2 ak-47 rifles, an unprimed improvised explosive device and a 36 Henagar hand grenade, as well as assorted drugs.

However, one of the military vehicles and communication equipment were badly damaged from gun shots by the terrorists.

The troops have continued to intensify vigilance and high level of alertness following concerted efforts of clearing the remnants of the terrorists.