US govt warns citizens against travelling to Nigeria

Posted by admin American Politics, Headlines Monday, December 24th, 2012

The United States government has warned its citizens against travelling to Nigeria, particularly during the holiday season, saying they could be kidnapped, robbed or attacked by gunmen.

The US Department of State, in a message to Americans, warned them not to embark on any trip to Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Yobe, Kaduna, Bauchi, Borno, and Kano states.

“Based on safety and security risk assessments, the Embassy has placed further restrictions for travel by US officials to all northern Nigerian states (in addition to those listed above),” the message said.

The department also said its officials must receive advance clearance by the US Mission for travel in the above states, as being mission-essential.

“US citizens should be aware that, in light of the continuing violence, extremists may expand their operations beyond northern Nigeria to the country’s middle and southern states. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning for Nigeria dated June 21, 2012,” the government said.

The United States reminded its citizens of the need to heed to the advice, saying that in the ongoing year, Boko Haram had claimed responsibility for many attacks, mainly in the northern part of Nigeria.

“Boko Haram is responsible for killing or wounding thousands of people. Multiple suicide vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Devices (SVBIED) targeted churches, government installations, educational institutions and entertainment venues in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, Taraba, and Yobe states,” the US said in the warning.

America said kidnappings continued to be a security concern that existed throughout the country.

“In the first six months of 2012, five foreign nationals, including two U.S. citizens, were kidnapped in Kwara, Imo, Enugu, Delta, and Kano states.

-Tribunewp_posts