BRITAIN WARN IT'S CITIZENS IN NIGERIA

“Violence can erupt quickly and without warning in Nigeria. You should follow local news reports and be alert to developments that might trigger civil unrest.

“If you’re working in Nigeria, you should follow your employer’s local security guidelines. You are strongly advised to take professional security advice, be vigilant at all times and review your security measures regularly. Keep others informed of your travel plans and vary your routines. Make sure your accommodation is secure and consider pre-deployment training or travelling under close protection.

“Following 2 incidents of police being shot at Games Village Axis, Sunnyvale/Galadimawa Axis in Abuja, the police have announced they will increase patrols and checkpoints within the city, especially at night. You should exercise caution.”

The above are details from a recent UK travel advice to its citizens in Nigeria. The travel advisory contained in the UK’s Government website added that “Inter-communal violence can occur throughout Nigeria, particularly in the central belt states.”

The UK warned its citizens to be “alert to local government announcements and media reporting, and seek advice before travelling to the affected areas.”

“In recent months, violent incidents between farming and pastoralist communities have increased with many deaths in certain rural communities.

“Political rallies, protests and violent demonstrations can occur with little notice throughout the country. International news events can sometimes trigger anti-Western demonstrations. There is the potential for increased tension on Fridays. Keep yourself informed of developments and if you encounter a threatening or intimidating situation, don’t try to make your way through it. Turn round and move to safety.

“Protests in Abuja and other Nigerian cities are becoming increasingly frequent as presidential elections in February 2019 approach. Particularly, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) has been protesting daily in Abuja since 7 January. While protests are usually peaceful, there have been violent clashes between police and protestors. Reports suggest that on 16 April one person was killed and about 30 people were injured as police used water cannon, gunfire and gas to disperse protestors. Protests are likely to continue in Abuja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Zaria. You should keep up to date with local developments, check local media and avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings.

“Be vigilant and take local advice on areas to avoid. Take particular care if you’re visiting crowded public places or attending events which attract large crowds. Criminals often use these situations as cover for robbery and theft.

“Swimming off the coast of Nigeria is dangerous due to rip tides and undertows, drownings occur each year. You should take care and seek local advice.”,