The United Kingdom (UK) says Boko
Haram insurgents are likely to kidnap foreign nationals, warning its citizens
against travelling to twelve states in Nigeria.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and
Development Office (FCDO) announced this on Friday in a travel advisory for its
nationals.
The UK government said there is a
high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria for ideological, financial or
political gain.
“The groups have previously shown
intent and capability to conduct kidnaps in Nigeria. Foreign nationals,
including humanitarian workers, are likely targets for kidnap. Humanitarian
hubs and humanitarian workers have been targeted during attacks in the North
East, including Monguno, Borno State on 13 June 2020,” the advisory reads.
“There’s a high threat of kidnap throughout
Nigeria. Kidnaps can be motivated by criminality or terrorism and could be
carried out for ideological, financial or political gain. Anecdotal evidence
suggests that the risk of kidnap increases after dark.
“The security environment in the
North East has deteriorated since 2018 and there is a heightened risk of
kidnap. Kidnaps in the North East have included humanitarian and private sector
workers. There are also reports that Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa
(ISWA) are continuing to actively plan to kidnap foreigners. As well as in
North-East Nigeria, extremist groups operate in some northern and middle belt
states including Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Kogi, Kaduna, Niger and Adamawa states.
If you’re working or travelling in these States then you should be aware of the
risk of terrorist kidnapping.”
The UK government also advised
its citizens to be careful as events to mark the one year anniversary of
#EndSARS protests may lead to additional protests in Lagos and Abuja.
The government also said the
trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),
scheduled for October 21 may lead to protests and heightened security presence
in Abuja and in the south-east.
“Since 9 August, there has been
an increase in protests and demonstrations in the South East region of Nigeria.
Protests, including “Stay at Home” protests, are likely during October in the
South East region. There have been reports of violence during Stay at Home
protests previously. You should monitor local media, avoid any demonstrations
or large gatherings and follow any instructions from local police and security
forces,” the advisory further reads.
“There have been a number of
attacks and targeted killings in the South-east and Southsouth regions of
Nigeria, including in the states of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Anambra,
Delta, Edo and Ebonyi. Some of these attacks have been on isolated roads and in
remote locations, but there is a chance that they could occur in metropolitan
areas. There is also a heightened risk of indiscriminate attacks on police and
security infrastructure, which may inadvertently affect bystanders.
“A number of states have imposed
curfews. Travellers to these regions are advised to exercise caution if
travelling in remote areas at night and follow local news and information
outlets for further information, including on local curfews.”
Here are the 12 states:
Borno
Yobe
Adamawa
Gombe
Kaduna
Katsina
Zamfara
Delta
Bayelsa
Rivers
Akwa Ibom and
Cross River states.
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