Gunshots fired near the US Embassy in Abuja

The United States Embassy in Abuja has reported that shots were fired close to its premises in the Central Business District, today.


According to a statement issued by the embassy this afternoon “We believe there were shots fired in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy. The Nigerian authorities have two individuals in custody. We refer you to the Nigerian police for further information,”



Security guard at Post 1 of the US embassy confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with a source. The guard, speaking on the basis of anonymity, said gun fire was heard in the vicinity of the embassy and some commotion shortly after.


He added, however, that the situation has been taken care of and Nigeria police forces are on ground to maintain order. There were no casualties from the attacks, the security officer said.

Abuja police command spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, however told the press that he had no knowledge of arrests.