Abuja's top hotels begin strict security checks

Following warning by the United State embassy telling its citizens to stay away from the Sheraton Hotel, Transcorp Hilton and NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja because of possible attacks, the three top hotels yesterday responded by putting in place stringent security measures.Security has been reinforced and soldiers, state Security Service Operatives (SSS), the police, civil defense men, and private security guards can be seen in large numbers at the entrances to the hotels.Security checks are carried out using explosive detection devices and car booth and bonnets are opened and searched extensively.Traders, who usually hang around the hotels, admitted the number of people around the hotels has dwindled considerably but noted that some visitors may be away because of the Sallah celebrations.Hotel guests appear to be going about their usual businesses amidst high security alert at the relaxation spots.A top security source at the NICON Luxury Hotel who did not want his name in print bemoaned the manner in which the US embassy relayed the travel warnings to it citizens without first informing the hotel authority.He said security at the Hotel has since been put on alert and were working with other government agencies to ensure safety at the Hotel.According to him, 'as you can see people are not running out of here, business is going on normally and security personnel are all over the place making sure our clients are safe.'When contacted the spokesman of Transcorp Hilton Shola Adeyemo said 'In our kind of business, it is normal for countries to issue travel warnings to their nationals, which could affect our businesses, but we have learnt to live with it. We are committed to the safety of our guests and staff and we have been doing all within our ability in that regard. We will keep doing so.'On her part the spokesperson of the Abuja Sheraton Hotel Mrs. Tyem Nanji said 'We don't want to comment. We can't comment on it. The security alerts were issued by the America government. We didn't see anything related to security breach. I think it is better to direct further inquiries to the US'.
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