The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a travel advisory to its citizens in Nigeria on possible protests during or immediately aftermath of the Nigeria’s elections holding on February 25 and March 11.
In a notice on its website, the Embassy advised its nationals to avoid rallies as ‘they can turn violent with little or no notice’.
In the travel advisory alert titled ‘Reissued with updates to staffing and do not travel areas’, it was stated that there might be limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.
It was also stated that violent crime is often targeted at dual nationals who had returned to Nigeria.
‘Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country.
‘Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, often targeting dual-national citizens who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as U.S. citizens with perceived wealth. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.
‘Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centres, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather. Terrorists are known to work with local gangs to expand their reach.
‘There is civil unrest and low-level armed militancy in parts of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region. Armed criminality, including kidnapping and maritime crime, is also pervasive in this region.
‘Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas. The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.’
The Embassy also advised American citizens in Nigeria to have three days of food and water at home in case movement restrictions are extended beyond election days.
‘Have a pre-packed bag that contains your travel documents, medications, toiletries, cash, and clothes in case you need to relocate from your residence; Avoid large crowds; Be aware of your surroundings; Keep a low profile; Carry proper identification; Review your personal security plans; Keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency; Monitor local media for updates.’
Americans were also warned against travelling to ‘Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping, stressing that they should avoid ‘Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping.’
