KEY POINTS

• Information Minister Mohammed Idris on Thursday called the US decision to authorize staff departures from the Abuja embassy a routine internal precaution that misrepresents Nigeria’s overall security situation
• Idris cited sustained military operations, intelligence-led interventions and inter-agency collaboration as evidence of real security gains, with criminal networks disrupted in affected regions
• The Federal Government reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to business, travel and investment, urging international partners to engage Nigerian authorities directly for a more comprehensive picture

Minister of Information Mohammed Idris on Thursday addressed the Nigeria US advisory standoff, calling Washington’s decision to authorize departure of non-emergency embassy staff from Abuja a routine internal precaution. He said the move does not reflect Nigeria’s overall security reality, and delivered the position through his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim.

“While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable,” Idris stated.

Security agencies credited with disrupting criminal networks

Idris said security agencies have sustained coordinated military operations, intelligence-driven interventions and enhanced inter-agency collaboration across affected regions. He said recent efforts have disrupted criminal networks, curtailed armed groups and improved safety in vulnerable communities. He also stressed that the US acted strictly on internal protocol, and that the decision carries no implication of widespread insecurity across the country.

Additionally, Idris noted that public institutions continue to function optimally, with no disruption to governance, economic activities or daily life. “Our security agencies remain actively engaged in protecting lives and property, and the results of these efforts are increasingly evident,” he said.

FG urges partners to engage directly for a fuller picture

Furthermore, Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to business, travel and investment, noting that ongoing economic reforms continue to boost investor confidence and strengthen the country’s international standing.

While acknowledging the right of nations to issue travel advisories based on their own assessments, the Federal Government urged international partners to engage directly with Nigerian authorities for a more current assessment. “We encourage our international partners to continuously engage with Nigerian authorities to obtain a more comprehensive and current understanding of the situation,” Idris said.

The government also assured citizens and visitors of its commitment to sustaining security improvements, adding that the Nigeria US advisory does not capture the full scope of progress on the ground.