The United States has warned its citizens of the risks of travel to Nigeria, and recommended that they 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 because of the risks of kidnapping, robbery, and other armed attacks in those areas.
Violent crime committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by persons wearing police and military uniforms, remains a problem throughout the country, the Satae Department said in a Travel Warning update on Thursday.
In the wake of attacks by extremist groups, the Nigerian government declared on December 31 a State of Emergency, which gives it sweeping powers to search and arrest without warrants.
On January 9, a nation-wide strike in protest against the government’s withdrawal of a gasoline subsidy caused the closure of businesses throughout the country. Massive protests took place across Nigeria and clashes with security forces had resulted in deaths.
While airports in Lagos and Abuja are open, most international carriers canceled their flights, and may continue to do so at short notice. The situation is fluid and dynamic. U.S. citizens are advised to follow the local media for up-to-date reports and contact airline carriers for flight information.
The risk of additional attacks against Western targets in Nigeria remains high. In 2011, there were five reported kidnappings of U.S. citizens in that African country.
Travel by foreigners to areas considered by the Nigerian government to be conflict areas without prior consultation and coordination with local security authorities is not recommended, says the update, as the Nigerian government may view such travel as inappropriate and potentially illegal, and it may detain violators.
Many foreign oil companies operating in the Niger Delta States of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers have implemented “essential travel only” policies for their personnel.
The U.S. Mission currently requires advance permission for U.S. government travel to these States, as well as the States of Abia, Edo, and Imo, the city of Jos in Plateau State, and Bauchi and Borno States, given the safety and security risk assessments and the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate-General’s limited ability to provide assistance to individuals detained by Nigerian authorities in these States. U.S. citizens who are resident in these States are advised to review their personal security in the light of the information contained in the Travel Warning.
Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society in which different ethnic and religious groups often live in the same area. The States of Bauchi, Borno, and Plateau have experienced violence in the past year exacerbating tensions along those lines.
Violent crime committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by some persons wearing police and military uniforms, is an ongoing problem throughout the country, especially at night. U.S. visitors and residents are advised not to travel outside of major cities after dark due to both crime and road safety concerns. There are regular reports of piracy off the coast of Nigeria in the Gulf of Guinea. 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.
U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Nigeria are strongly advised to enroll through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP), or with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to make it easier for the diplomatic missions to contact them in case of emergency.
U.S. citizens are advised to contact the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate-General in Lagos for up-to-date information on any restrictions.