Emmanuel Thomas l April 07, 2017
ABUJA, Nigeria – Just few days to the Easter celebration, the United Kingdom has pinpointed flash-points in Nigeria that could be target of terror arracks and warned its citizens to limit or completely avoid travel to these areas.
“The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to: Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State, Gombe State, riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States and within 20km of the border with Niger in Zamfara State.
“The FCO advise against all but essential travel to: Bauchi State, Zamfara State, Kano State, Kaduna State, Jigawa State, Katsina State, Kogi State, within 20km of the border with Niger in Sokoto and Kebbi States, Jos City in Plateau State, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State and Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers State, Abia State.
“There is a continuing high threat from terrorism. Most attacks occur in the north east, particularly in Borno (including central Maiduguri and along access routes into the city), Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe States.
“There have also been significant attacks in Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Bauchi, Abuja and Gombe. Further attacks could occur anywhere. Major towns and cities remain particularly at risk, including Maiduguri, Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja as the federal capital”, the FCO said.
It warned that attacks have taken place in public or crowded places, including places of worship, markets and displacement camps.
“You should avoid public places where crowds gather, including religious gatherings and insecure public spaces like places of worship, markets, transport hubs and camps for displaced people. You should be particularly vigilant around the Easter period. A heavy security presence often indicates areas of particularly high risk. Avoid affected areas in the immediate aftermath of any attack”, the FCO said.
It added that on 12 December 2015 a clash in Zaria, Kaduna State between the Nigerian Security Forces and The Islamic Movement in Nigeria resulted in a number of deaths.
“Be vigilant and take local advice on areas to avoid within the city. There is a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria especially in the Niger Delta region and Kogi state. Recent terrorist kidnaps have occurred mostly in northern Nigeria, but could occur anywhere in Nigeria. Kidnaps can be for financial or political gain, and can be motivated by criminality or terrorism.
“You should be aware of your surroundings and avoid large crowds or public demonstrations as they can turn violent unexpectedly. Follow news reports and be alert to developments. If you become aware of any nearby unrest or disturbances, you should leave the area immediately.
“Demonstrations and civil unrest can occur at short notice. Follow news reports and be alert to developments. If you become aware of any nearby protests you should leave the area immediately. See Political situation
Before considering any travel to areas to which the FCO advise against all or all but essential travel, take professional security advice. Be vigilant at all times, keep others informed of your travel plans and vary your routines. You should follow your employer’s security advice, make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly. The level of consular assistance available to British nationals in areas to which the FCO advise against all or all but essential travel is limited”, the office said.
