The United states has urged it’s citizens to avoid at least 14 Nigerian states amidst terrorism, banditry and kidnapping rocking the regions. U.S in its updated advisory on Wednesday urged its citizens to “Reconsider travel to Nigeria”.
the U.S. added at least 116 countries this week to its “Level Four: Do Not Travel” advisory list. Under a “very high level of COVID-19”, The UK, Canada, France, Israel, Mexico, Germany and others were cited on the list. 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 cited in Level 3 of the advisory. 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.
The center then listed states the American citizens and visitors should avoid, while in Nigeria. These states includes: Borno, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping, Banditary and Killings It also warned its citizens from visiting 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:
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.
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.
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