Crime endemic in Nigeria, US cautions citizens

The US embassy in Abuja and consulate general in Lagos have
asked Americans to exercise caution while traveling or residing in
Nigeria during the holidays.

In a holiday security advisory posted
on its
website^[1], the
embassy said it gave the warning given that crime is relatively
higher during the festive periods.

It said “crime is endemic” in the country, asking its citizens
to stay alert at all times.

It asked its citizens to be wary of public places including
airports, places of worship, shopping centres and markets where it
said “westerners are common attack targets”

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos remind
U.S. citizens to exercise caution while traveling and residing in
Nigeria.  Crime is endemic throughout Nigeria, ranging from
petty street crime to carjacking, and crime levels tend to increase
during the holidays.  It is prudent to exercise particular
caution during the holiday season and at holiday events,” the
mission said.

“Demonstrations are relatively commonplace in Nigeria and
generally affect traffic flow, especially if they progress along
major thoroughfares.  Criminal and other elements often
infiltrate large gatherings.  Terrorist organizations and
individuals inspired by extremist ideology exist throughout
Nigeria.  Shopping centers, airports, hotels, clubs,
restaurants, places of worship, transportation hubs, street
markets, and other public venues frequented by Westerners are
common attack targets.”

The embassy and consulate advised Americans residing or
travelling in the country to keep a low profile, review their
personal security plans and to avoid large gatherings and
protests.

The US embassy in Abuja and consulate general in Lagos have
asked Americans to exercise caution while traveling or residing in
Nigeria during the holidays.

In a holiday security advisory posted
on its
website^[1], the
embassy said it gave the warning given that crime is relatively
higher during the festive periods.

It said “crime is endemic” in the country, asking its citizens
to stay alert at all times.

It asked its citizens to be wary of public places including
airports, places of worship, shopping centres and markets where it
said “westerners are common attack targets”

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos remind
U.S. citizens to exercise caution while traveling and residing in
Nigeria.  Crime is endemic throughout Nigeria, ranging from
petty street crime to carjacking, and crime levels tend to increase
during the holidays.  It is prudent to exercise particular
caution during the holiday season and at holiday events,” the
mission said.

“Demonstrations are relatively commonplace in Nigeria and
generally affect traffic flow, especially if they progress along
major thoroughfares.  Criminal and other elements often
infiltrate large gatherings.  Terrorist organizations and
individuals inspired by extremist ideology exist throughout
Nigeria.  Shopping centers, airports, hotels, clubs,
restaurants, places of worship, transportation hubs, street
markets, and other public venues frequented by Westerners are
common attack targets.”

The embassy and consulate advised Americans residing or
travelling in the country to keep a low profile, review their
personal security plans and to avoid large gatherings and
protests.