Elections: US laments limited ability to help Americans in Nigeria

The United States Embassy in Nigeria recently released an updated travel advisory warning to US citizens due to the prevailing security conditions in the country.

The advisory cited limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of Nigeria, which has been largely affected by security challenges.

The advisory, titled “Reissued with updates to staffing and do not travel areas,” was released on 20 February, and it highlighted the prevalence of violent crime throughout the country, with dual nationals being the primary targets. According to the Embassy, violent crimes such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, banditry, and rape are very common in Nigeria. The advisory went on to caution US citizens about the high occurrence of kidnappings for ransom, which often targets those who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as perceived wealthy US citizens.

Kidnapping gangs have also been reported to stop victims on interstate roads, and the Embassy warns that terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria, with little or no warning. Crowded places such as shopping centres, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, and transportation hubs are likely targets of terrorist attacks. The advisory notes that terrorists are known to work with local gangs to expand their reach, thus making the situation even more challenging.

Additionally, civil unrest and low-level armed militancy have been reported in parts of Southern Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region. Armed criminality, including kidnapping and maritime crime, is also pervasive in this region. There have also been instances of violence between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.

While the US government has acknowledged the security challenges in Nigeria, it has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of the country. In the travel advisory, the Embassy warns US citizens against travelling to certain areas in Nigeria due to terrorism and kidnapping. They have asked US citizens to avoid Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states, and urged them to stay away from Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping. Coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states, except Port Harcourt, have also been flagged due to crime, kidnapping, and maritime crime.

The updated travel advisory is an indication of the increasing insecurity in Nigeria, which has become a major concern for both the Nigerian government and foreign governments with interests in Nigeria. The government has been making efforts to improve security in the country, but the situation remains a significant challenge.