April 24, 2021

The United States government has advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria over .security threats in some parts of the country

to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime. Some areas have increased risk.

In its latest travel advisory, the government decried the spate of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime, stressing that some areas have increased risk.

“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,” the U.S. government said.

“Terrorist groups based in the Northeast routinely target humanitarian camps, security forces, churches, schools, mosques, government installations, educational institutions, entertainment venues, and road travelers. Approximately two million Nigerians have been displaced as a result of the violence in Northeast Nigeria”.

It was worried that terrorists have continued to plot and carry out attacks in Nigeria, especially in the North East.

According to the government, 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.

It said there has been civil unrest and low-level armed militancy in parts of the South, especially in the Niger Delta region where kidnapping and maritime crime were pervasive.

The U.S. government warned its citizens against violence between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas, as well as maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.

It decried that it has limited ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.

The travel advisory dated April 20 read:

Borno, Yobe, and Northern Adamawa States – Do Not Travel

The security situation in these states is fluid and unpredictable due to widespread terrorist activity, inter-communal violence, and kidnapping. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.

Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara States – Do Not Travel

The security situation in these states is fluid and unpredictable due to widespread inter-communal violence and armed criminality, especially kidnapping and roadside banditry. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.

Coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers States (with the exception of Port Harcourt) – Do Not Travel

Crime is rampant throughout Southern Nigeria, and there is a heightened risk of kidnapping and maritime crime, especially in the Gulf of Guinea.

Violent civil unrest and armed militancy persist in these areas.

It further warned, “If you decide to travel to Nigeria:

See the U.S. Embassy’s web page regarding COVID-19.

Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.

Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, if needed.

Use caution when walking or driving at night.

Keep a low profile.

Review travel routes and times to vary your predictability.

Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.

Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.

Monitor local media for breaking events, and be prepared to adjust your plans.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.

Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings.

Review your personal security plans.

Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.

Establish a “proof of life” protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.

Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.

Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Nigeria.

Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.