U.S. embassy issues travel advice to its citizens in Nigeria
The United States (U. S.) Mission in Nigeria yesterday issued travel advice to its citizens over security challenges.
The Nigerian Government has declared today, April 6 and Monday, April 9 Easter public holidays. In a statement, the embassy said: “With the history of attacks during previous holiday weekends, nearly daily attacks in northern Nigeria, and the recent report of an incident at the U.S Embassy in Abuja and threats, including several that mention U.S. interest.” It urged all “U.S. citizens living and travelling in Nigeria to take extra precautions for your personal security and safety.
“The embassy advises all U.S. citizens in Abuja and other large northern Nigerian cities to remain particularly vigilant around churches and other places of worship, locations where large crowds may gather, and areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers during the holiday weekend.
“The Nigerian security agencies have heightened security measures as a result of threats posed by Boko Haram, and U.S. citizens should expect additional police and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible roadblocks throughout the country during the holiday weekend.
“The embassy continues to monitor closely the ongoing threats posed by Nigerian extremist and criminal groups, and their stated intentions to carry out attacks against the Nigerian government and western interests and targets in Nigeria.
The U.S. Mission to Nigeria has deferred all travels by U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission authority to northern Nigeria and advises citizens to exercise extreme caution if residing or travelling in these areas.
“The Department of State also recommends that U.S. citizens avoid all but essential travel to the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers; the Southeastern states of Abia, Edo, Imo; the city of Jos in Plateau State, Bauchi and Borno states in the northeast; and the Gulf of Guinea due to the risks of kidnapping, robbery, and other armed attacks in these areas.
“Violent crimes committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by persons wearing police and military uniforms, remain a problem throughout the country. “The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate in Lagos will close on Friday, April 6 and Monday, April 9 in observance of the national holidays.
“You should review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, monitor local news stations for updates, and report specific incidents of targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U. S. Consulate General in Lagos at the numbers listed below. You should remain vigilant at all times. For additional safety and security information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad.”
