The US Embassy in Nigeria has revealed that kidnappers are targeting American citizens in the country as insecurity grips Africa’s most populous country.
It also lamented its inability to provide emergency services to American citizens in several parts of Nigeria due to security concerns.
The embassy disclosed this in a revised travel advisory warning issued on Monday, titled “Reissued with updates to staffing and do not travel areas.”
The embassy noted violent crimes, common across the country, was often targeting dual nationals who have returned to Nigeria.
“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 US citizens with perceived wealth. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads,” the embassy said.
While revealing different areas abduction can occur, the US embassy noted that the assailants often work with local terror thugs.
It said further, “Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centres, 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. The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.”
The embassy, therefore, warned Americans in Nigeria not to travel to “Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping.
“Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping
“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.”