French citizens urged by embassy to leave Northern Nigeria

France is insisting that its citizens leave  northern Nigeria and areas around the capital territory- Abuja, amid threats from Islamist militants.

Islamist militants have vowed to target French interests, following its two-week-old military offensive in Mali against militants allied to al-Qaeda.

A diplomatic source says the threat of kidnappings, coupled with Nigeria’s support for France’s action in Mali, has raised risks for French citizens in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, French oil major, Total has moved its staff from Abuja, following the kidnapping of a French national in a remote northern town, close to the Niger border last month.

France has about 2,000 citizens living in Nigeria, of which 335 live in or around Abuja.