Full List: US Lists Specific Public Areas in Nigeria that 'Terrorists Are Plotting to Attack, Kill'
- The United States warned travellers about rising security threats in Nigeria, citing terrorism, kidnapping, and armed gangs as risks
- Officials stated that terrorists continued to plot attacks in public areas, often working with local gangs to expand their reach
- The US advisory about Nigeria claimed that all regions carried significant danger, with some states having more significant risks
The United States has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent health care services.
Officials stated that all locations of the country carried significant security risks, with some states facing higher threats than others.
Source: Getty Images
The advisory stated that travellers should not visit the following areas:
- Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping
- Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping
- Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (except Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.
US claims terrorists attack in public areas
Authorities said that terrorists continued plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria.
They reported that these groups often worked with local gangs to expand their reach and could strike with little or no warning.
The advisory listed public areas where attacks were allegedly often planned:
- Shopping centres and malls
- Markets
- Hotels
- Places of worship
- Restaurants and bars
- Schools
- Government buildings
- Transportation hubs
- Public places where crowds gather
Terrorist targets in Northeast Nigeria, US says
Officials highlighted that terrorist groups in the Northeast frequently targeted:
- Humanitarian camps
- Security forces
- Churches and mosques
- Schools
- Government buildings
- Entertainment venues
- Road travellers
The US Department of State's advisory read in part:
"Civil unrest and armed gangs are active in parts of Southern Nigeria. This is especially true in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed crime and gangs are common in the area. Crimes include kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services. Violent crime is common in the country. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, and roadside banditry. Kidnappings for ransom happen often. They primarily target dual national citizens visiting Nigeria and U.S. citizens perceived as wealthy. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads."
The advisory stressed that Nigeria remained a high-risk destination.
It warned that terrorist groups and armed gangs posed serious threats to both locals and foreigners.
Travellers were urged to read the entire advisory before considering any trip to the country.
Source: Getty Images
Terrorists relocate after US air strikes
Legit.ng earlier reported that there were indications that suspected Nigerian terrorists in the northern regions had begun relocating following missile strikes carried out by the US on the night of December 25.
Credible community leaders told the media that they had noticed movements as hoodlums migrated in small numbers after the Christmas Day attacks, which were announced by President Donald Trump.
The Nigerian federal government confirmed the strike by the US, stating that it had given support to the foreign nation and that the attacks were directed at targeted areas being used by terrorist organisations.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
