The U.S. Department of State has released a statement warning their
Citizens in/coming to Nigeria, to consider their own personal security
by avoiding some states due to the security situation in northeast
Nigeria. The statement warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travelling to
Nigeria and recommends that U.S. citizens should especially avoid
travelling to Adamawa, Borno & Yobe. Except for essential matters.
Other states that are to be avoided due to the risk of kidnappings,
robberies, and other armed attacks are: Bauchi, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo,
Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger, Plateau,
Rivers, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
States in the Northeast are to be avoided because the security situation
in northeast remains ‘fluid and unpredictable’. The statement explained
that the ability of the Mission in Nigeria to provide assistance to
U.S. citizens in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states remains severely
limited. All U.S. citizens are to be particularly vigilant around
government security facilities; churches, mosques, and other places of
worship; locations where large crowds may gather, such as hotels, clubs,
bars, restaurants, markets, shopping malls; and other areas frequented
by expatriates and foreign travellers.
“Security measures in Nigeria remain heightened due to threats posed by
extremist groups, and U.S. citizens may encounter police and military
checkpoints, additional security, and possible road blocks throughout
the country. All U.S. citizens should remain aware of current situations
including curfews, travel restrictions, and states of emergency in the
areas they are in or plan to visit.
“Kidnappings remain a security concern throughout the country. Criminal
elements throughout Nigeria orchestrate kidnappings for ransom; Islamic
extremists, operating predominantly in the North, also have been known
to conduct kidnappings. Criminals or militants have abducted foreign
nationals, including U.S. citizens, from off-shore and land-based oil
facilities, residential compounds, airports, and public roadways.
“Militant groups have destroyed oil production infrastructure in Bayelsa
and Delta states. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid the areas of
these states where these incidents have occurred. Attacks by pirates off
the coast of Nigeria in the Gulf of Guinea have increased substantially
in recent years. Armed gangs have boarded both commercial and private
vessels to rob travelers. The Nigerian Navy has limited capacity to
respond to criminal acts at sea.”