No US Official Was Shot in Abuja, Says Embassy

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has debunked the report that one of its officials was shot.

It also debunked the report that security around  of the Embassy in Abuja had been beefed up as a result of the “false” attack.

A newspaper, not THISDAY, had reported that security around the United States Embassy in Abuja, had been beefed up following the shooting of an official of the embassy, last Thursday.

The newspaper had also reported that other embassies and foreign missions had upped their security level, while urging their citizens and officials to take their security more seriously.

The newspaper had claimed that the staff, whose identity is yet to be revealed, was shot at the residential quarters of the U.S embassy located at Lake Chad Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, while also stating that it was unclear if the shot official is an American or a security contractor at the residence.

Responding to enquiry by THISDAY, Aishah Gambari, the Senior Media Specialist,  Public Affairs, US Embassy Abuja, revealed that it was a Nigerian Police officer without any attachment to the US Embassy that was shot in a apparent robbery attempt on him.

Gambari’s communication read: “On Friday, a Nigerian Police Force officer was shot in the course of an apparent robbery attempt against him.

“No U.S. Embassy staff or officials, Nigerian or American, were involved.

“There is no change to the embassy security posture.”

She however added that: “We refer you to the Nigerian police force for any further information.”