US Warns Citizens Against Travelling To 20 Nigerian States

The United States of America has warned its citizens
against travelling to 20 states in Nigeria due to security
concerns.
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.”

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