Date Published: 02/25/10

Beware of Nigeria, UK warns Nationals

* Lists Niger Delta, North, Others as Danger Zones

THE Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the United Kingdom (UK) Government has warned their nationals against all forms of travel to the Niger Delta, Nigeria's main oil and gas region. A news report by AkanimoReports says they are also warned against travelling to some parts of the North.

This warning is contained in a Travel Advice which was wired to the editor of the on-line citizen media by the FCO.

''We advise against all travel to the Niger Delta states of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers (including Port Harcourt) and advise British nationals in these States to leave.  This is because of the very high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas'', the UK government said.

Continuing, they said, ''we advise against all travel to riverine areas of Akwa Ibom State (i.e., the river and swamp locations on or close to the coast accessible only by boat, but not by road). We advise British nationals in these areas to leave. We also advise against all but essential travel to other areas of Akwa Ibom State because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks. We advise against all travel to the area bordering Cameroon in the region of the Bakassi Peninsula. If, despite this advice, you decide to travel to, or remain in these areas, you do so at your own risk.''

According to them, ''there is increased tension in parts of northern Nigeria following clashes between militants and security forces in Bauchi State on 26 July 2009 which extended to parts of Kano, Yobe, Katsina and Borno States. If you are travelling in northern Nigeria you should take extra precautions and avoid crowds. Violence could erupt quickly and without warning.''

Britons are also advised against non-essential travel to Jos, the Plateau State capital, and its surrounding areas, following civil unrest, which started on 17 January 2010, pointing out that a heavy security presence currently seems to have brought the disorder under control, ''though communal tensions remain high.  There is curfew in force between 18.00 and 06.00.  British nationals resident in Jos should exercise caution when moving around and be prepared to return home at any sign of unrest'', they said.

While claiming that international events, particularly in the Middle East, could lead to demonstrations and unrest, they added, ''there is a high risk of kidnappings and other armed attacks in the Niger Delta to ships and oil rigs at sea off the coast of the Delta''.  

Since 2007, they went on, ''there has been an increase in attacks offshore. There is also a risk of kidnapping in other states in Nigeria.  Three British citizens and a Colombian citizen were abducted 40 km outside Port Harcourt on 12 January 2010 by suspected criminals. 

''A British citizen was kidnapped in June 2009 just outside Benin City and a Canadian citizen was kidnapped in Kaduna, in April 2009 by suspected criminals; all have subsequently been released. These cases demonstrate that there is a significant risk of kidnapping in all states.''

Continuing, they said, ''localised outbreaks of civil unrest can occur at short notice. You are advised to avoid large crowds, demonstrations and obvious political gatherings.  Trouble on the streets can be spontaneous, and can quickly lead to violence. Details and advice are circulated via the British High Commission's Community Liaison Officers' network.  We advise British nationals staying in Nigeria for three months or more to register with the British High Commission.  

''There is a high threat from terrorism in Nigeria.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

''Four British nationals required consular assistance in Nigeria in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident: deaths (4 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (4 cases).  Violent crime is also prevalent in the south of the country, including Lagos.

''We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.   You should check that your insurance company provides personal insurance cover for you in Nigeria, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake; check any exclusions.''