UK Foreign Office Travel Advice

We also advise against all but essential travel to Akwa Ibom State and the rest of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States.

If you decide to travel to or remain in these areas you do so at your own risk. The level of consular assistance we can provide in these areas is limited. If your presence is essential, it would be reckless to travel to or remain in these areas unless you have taken appropriate security advice and have acted on it.

In 2006 there has been an increase in crime and armed attacks in the Niger Delta and offshore. On 18 December 2006,two bombs exploded in Port Harcourt, one in a Shell residential compound and the other at Agip�s headquarters. Further attacks are possible.

There continues to be a high risk of kidnapping by armed militants in the Niger Delta. Since January 2006, 21 British nationals have been have been among 117 people kidnapped in numerous attacks. One Briton has been killed.

We continue to believe that armed groups may be planning further attacks on oil and gas industry targets in the Niger Delta and that the risk of kidnap remains high.

Campaigning for elections due in April 2007 has already begun. Localised unrest is likely and the security situation may deteriorate rapidly in the vicinity of election rallies. The risk of crime in the Niger Delta is likely to increase in the run up to the elections. You should remain extra-vigilant throughout this period.

Localised outbreaks of civil unrest can occur at short notice. Since June 2006 there has been fighting in Onitsha, Anambra State, where a dusk to dawn curfew has been imposed. Details and advice are circulated via the British High Commission’s Community Liaison Officers’ network.

Violent crime is especially prevalent in the south of the country, including Lagos.

The most common problems encountered by British nationals in Nigeria are attempts by scam artists to extract money from their intended victims. These scams come in many forms and can cause considerable financial loss to victims.

You should be aware of the threat from terrorism in Nigeria. A statement issued by Usama Bin Laden in February 2003 called for an uprising by Muslims in a number of countries including Nigeria. He suggested that �faithful Muslims� rise up against the Nigerian Government. He also referred to �support for brothers� in Nigeria in December 2004.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.