The United States government has once again warned its citizens to exercise caution while travelling or residing in Nigeria due to the high crime rate.
This follows the expected increase in crime levels ranging from petty street crime to carjacking and so on, especially during this holiday season and at holiday events.
This disclosure is contained in a security alert that was issued by the US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria on Wednesday, December 16, 2020.
The statement from the US Embassy and Consulate reads:
- “The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos remind U.S. citizens to exercise caution while travelling and residing in Nigeria. Crime is endemic throughout Nigeria, ranging from petty street crime to carjacking, and crime levels tend to increase during the holidays. It is prudent to exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday events.
- “Demonstrations are relatively commonplace in Nigeria and generally affect traffic flow, especially if they progress along major thoroughfares. Criminal and other elements often infiltrate large gatherings. Terrorist organizations and individuals inspired by extremist ideology exist throughout Nigeria. Shopping centres, airports, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, transportation hubs, street markets, and other public venues frequented by Westerners are common attack targets.”
In its travel and security advice, the United States embassy advised its citizens to adhere to the following:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep a low profile.
- Carry proper identification.
- Stay alert in public places and locations frequented by tourists/Westerners.
- Review your personal security plans.
- Use caution when driving at night and avoid walking after dark.
- Always drive with your windows rolled up and the doors locked.
- Review and alter travel routes and times to reduce time and place predictability.
- Avoid large gatherings and protests.
- Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Always keep the doors to your residence locked, even when at home.
What you should know
- It can be recalled that in a travel advisory statement in August 2020, the United States Government advised its citizens against travelling to Nigeria due to the coronavirus pandemic, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, widespread inter-communal violence and others.
- In the travel advice, the United States listed some areas with increased risks and should be avoided. The US citizens were advised to exercise extreme caution throughout the country due to the threat of indiscriminate violence.
