Admin l Wednesday, October 26, 2022
LAGOS, Nigeria – The United States has granted permission to members of staff in the U.S Embassy in Abuja and their families to leave Nigeria due to heightened security risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, particularly in Abuja.
According to the statement from the U.S Consulate in Nigeria, the U.S Embassy in Abuja will continue to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. Citizens in Nigeria, adding that the Consulate in Lagos will continue to provide routine and emergency services to U.S Citizens in Nigeria.
The embassy advised U.S Citizens to have a personal emergency action plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
“Take advantage of commercial transportation options, if you wish to depart Nigeria. Monitor local media for breaking news on the security situation. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep a low profile”, the statement added.
Recall that U.S Embassy and Consulate had on Sunday, October 23, in its travel directory warned of an elevated risks of terror attacks in Nigeria, especially in Abuja.
“Targets may include, but are not limited to, government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organizations. The U.S. Embassy will offer reduced services until further notice”, the directory said, urging U.S Citizens to avoid all non-essential travel or movement, stay alert, avoid crowds and review personal security plans and keep cell phone charged in case of emergency and to carry proper identification.
In the terror threat which has been elevated to Level 3, the U.S Consulate and Embassy warned its citizens not to travel to Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and other northern states due to terrorism and kidnapping
The travel directory also warned its citizens against travel 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 the new directory, the U.S Consulate and Embassy noted that 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. 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 United States warned, adding that the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.
