The United States has issued a new travel advisory ordering the departure of the family members of its government employees resident in Abuja, Nigeria due to "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime.”
The travel advisory was issued Thursday 27 October 2022.
It is coming two days after an earlier alert asking only non-emergency employees and their families to leave Abuja.
On 25 October, the US State Department authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members from Abuja due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks.
"U.S. Embassy Abuja is only able to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Abuja," the first earlier alert clarified.
“U.S. Consulate in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria," it continued.
The advisory is also warning US citizens to avoid the 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.”
For those who decide to travel to Nigeria, the advisory also outlined a number of factors they are to consider.
These factors include carrying a proper means of identification, keeping a low profile and being extremely vigilant.
Nigerian Police Beef Up Security
The Nigerian government has however said the country is safe for all.
The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has ordered all police managers to beef up security across the country, especially the Federal Capital Territory.
A statement the Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the police boss has also directed the activation of all emergency numbers across Nigeria.
He has also urged the public to remain vigilant while going about their lawful businesses and engagements.
