ECOWAS Secretariat issues security alert on Nigeria, warns staff

 

BY OUR EDITOR

The Secretariat of the Economic Committee of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja has issued a security alert on Nigeria, specifically Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

ECOWAS, in a memo dated 12 July 2019, advised its staff to avoid “identified crime flash points especially at nights and drive with caution when driving through.”

The memo, signed by the Director, General Administration, Dr. Daniel Eklu, gave the flash points as Berger Roundabout, Minister Hill Maitama, Gwarimpa Area 1 and 3, Mabushi Pedestrian Bridge, Galadimawa Roundabout and Kubwa Expressway.

“Local information also indicates that some hoodlums in Church Gate Central area are now using massive building block stones (Interlocking) to target car windscreen. In case you come across these criminals, do not stop! Do not stop! Keep moving, ignore all the blocks on the road. By no means should you allow yourself to be caught,” Dr. Eklu cautioned in the memo.

The memo, of which a copy was sighted by reliablesourceng.com correspondent, also advised staff to be wary of certain commercial vehicles when using public transportation. It called their attention to ‘One Chance’ buses and unpainted taxis.

“Be careful not to fall victim of One Chance, a parlance used locally to describe criminals who rob passengers in commercial unpainted taxes,” it alerted, adding, “Dress casually while travelling; do not expose jewellery or foreign currency.”

Other than road and public transportation safety alerts, the memo also gave the diplomatic staff tips on personal and home security. They include supervising residence security guards, locking all doors and windows at night, ensuring that security lights function effectively at night, being alert when approaching residence gate to avoid being followed and keeping guard dogs at home if possible.

The memo further cautioned staff on the need to be careful where they pack their cars, especially at garden bars, supermarkets, restaurants and unguarded streets, stating that some staff members had reported their vehicles broken into and valuables stolen.

“Maintain situational and environmental awareness always. Parents should monitor their children always. A high number of children go missing during festivities and events.

“If confronted with a toy gun, do not assume that it is a toy gun. Calm down and comply with instructions. While materials can be replaced, same cannot be said of life. Do not be a hero,” the memo warned.

Staff members were given specific telephone numbers to call in case of emergency. They include: FCT Police Command – 08032003913, 08028940883; Police Control Room – 07055350249, 07035068242; Diplomatic Mobile Police Force – 08033746045 and FCT Fire Service – 08032003557.