The U.S. Consulate has received credible information that there have been violent encounters between armed militants and government security forces in Rivers State. Several expatriates have also been kidnapped. We have received reports that militants may want to target Bonny Island. This continuation of violence reinforces the need for American citizens to avoid travel to the region whenever possible and maintain a heightened security presence at all times. There is no indication of when this threat will subside.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident or would like to report a missing person, please contact the U.S. Consulate in Lagos or U.S. Embassy in Abuja immediately.
The Consulate advises all American citizens to practice extreme caution in their daily activities and to avoid travel to the region. Americans in the area should limit their travel, particularly at night, and should avoid public venues whenever possible.
Americans should review their security procedures, remain vigilant to their surroundings, and report specific incidences of targeted violence to the U.S. Consulate in Lagos at 01-261-0050. You may also email the Lagos Consular Section at lagoscons2@state.gov.
Americans are encouraged to read the Department of State�s August 24, 2006 Travel Warning regarding travel to Nigeria (available online at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_928.html) and the Worldwide Caution announcement released on June 6, 2006 (available online at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html).
U.S. citizens in Nigeria are strongly encouraged to register with the Department of State at https://travelregistration.state.gov. Those without Internet access may register in person at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate General in Lagos and obtain information there on travel and security in Nigeria.
U.S. Embassy Abuja is located at 11 Plot 1075, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District, Abuja; the telephone number is 09-461-4000.
The U.S. Consulate Lagos is located at 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos; the telephone number is 01-261-1215.
For after-hours emergencies, call 011 [234] (1) 261-1414, 261-0195, 261-0078, 261-0139, or 261-6477.