The United States, in its latest travel advisories warned
its citizens to avoid some 14 Nigerian states, rife with terrorism, banditry
and kidnapping.
Although it approved travel to other parts, it urged its
citizens to “Reconsider travel to Nigeria”.
In the updated advisory, the U.S. State Department added at least 116
countries this week to its “Level Four: Do Not Travel” advisory list.
The UK, Canada, France, Israel, Mexico, Germany and others are on the list, citing a “very high level of COVID-19.”
Before Tuesday, the State Department listed 34 out of about
200 countries as “Do Not Travel.” The State Department now lists 150 countries
at Level Four.
Nigeria is categorised as Level 3.
Unlike countries categorised as Level 4, based on the advice
of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nigeria has a good
rating on COVID-19 prevalence.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has
issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Nigeria due to COVID-19, indicating a
low level of COVID-19 in the country”, the State Department said.
It then listed areas the American visitor should avoid,
while in Nigeria.
These are: Borno, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states due to
terrorism and kidnapping, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara
states due to kidnapping.
It also banned American citizens from going to Coastal areas
of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states (with the
exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and maritime crime.
In a country summary on Nigeria, the U.S. State Department
wrote:
“Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking,
kidnapping, hostage taking, banditry, and rape – is common throughout the
country.
“Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, often targeting
dual national citizens who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as
U.S. citizens with perceived wealth. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims
on interstate roads.
“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in
Nigeria, especially in the Northeast.
“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting
shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars,
schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where
crowds gather. Terrorists are known to work with local gangs to expand their
reach.
There is civil unrest and low-level armed militancy in parts
of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region. Armed criminality,
including kidnapping and maritime crime, is also pervasive in this region.
Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and
herders in rural areas.
There is frequent maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency
services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.
It offered its citizens security tips, while in Nigeria.
These are;
*See the U.S. Embassy’s web page regarding COVID-19.
*Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.
*Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with
a current Nigerian visa, if needed.
*Use caution when walking or driving at night.
*Keep a low profile.
*Review travel routes and times to vary your predictability.
*Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
*Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
*Monitor local media for breaking events, and be prepared to
adjust your plans.
*Be aware of your surroundings.
*Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
*Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings.
*Review your personal security plans.
*Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government
assistance.
Borno, Yobe, and Northern Adamawa states – Do Not Travel
The security situation in these states is fluid and
unpredictable due to widespread terrorist activity, inter-communal violence,
and kidnapping. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without
warning.
Terrorist groups based in the Northeast routinely target
humanitarian camps, security forces, churches, schools, mosques, government
installations, educational institutions, entertainment venues, and road
travelLers. Approximately two million Nigerians have been displaced as a result
of the violence in Northeast Nigeria.
Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states
– Do Not Travel
The security situation in these states is fluid and
unpredictable due to widespread inter-communal violence and armed criminality,
especially kidnapping and roadside banditry. Security operations to counter
these threats may occur without warning.
Coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and
Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) – Do Not Travel
Crime is rampant throughout Southern Nigeria, and there is a
heightened risk of kidnapping and maritime crime, especially in the Gulf of
Guinea. Violent civil unrest and armed militancy persist in these areas.
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