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It is advised against all travel to the Niger Delta (Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States, including Port Harcourt) and to riverine areas of Cross River State. This is because of the very high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas.
Since January 2006, 36 British nationals, (including one child), and more than 180 other foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta area, with one British national being killed. On 10 August 2007, a British national was abducted from his car when driving to work in Port Harcourt. On 21 October 2007, in a violent armed attack on an offshore support vessel, three expatriates were abducted. On 27 September 2007, an oil company compound outside Port Harcourt was attacked. One Colombian oil worker was killed and two other expatriates kidnapped.
The high risk of kidnappings and other armed attacks in the Niger Delta applies also to ships and oil rigs at sea off the coast of the Delta. In 2007, there has been an increase in attacks offshore.
There is also a risk of kidnapping in other states in southeast Nigeria. On 17 March 2007, two Chinese nationals were abducted at Nnewi, Anambra State.
Visitors are advised against all travel to riverine areas of Cross River State (i.e. the river and swamp locations on or close to, the coast accessible only by boat, but not by road). They are also advised against all but essential travel to Akwa Ibom State because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks. Since 30 December 2007, a curfew (1800 - 0600) has been in place in the Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State.
It is advised that the security situation in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States makes them unsafe for visitors and it is therefore advised for visitors to leave. If you stay, you do so at your own risk and should take professional security advice.
There was a further round of gang related violence in Port Harcourt on 16 August, with incidents across the city. Since 17 August 2007, the Nigerian authorities have imposed a night time curfew on the city. On 1 January 2008, there were nineteen reported fatalities in Port Harcourt when armed militants attacked two police stations and a hotel.
It is advised against all but essential travel to Akwa Ibom State because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks. Visitors should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, observe the strictest security measures and not travel unnecessarily. If travelling by road you should use fully protected transport.
Local government elections are currently being held across Nigeria. Visitors should avoid large gatherings of people, as these can sometimes turn violent. Localised outbreaks of civil unrest can occur at short notice.
The most common problem for travellers is scam artists trying to extract money.
Violent crime is prevalent in the south of the country, including Lagos.
There is a general threat from terrorism in Nigeria. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Nigeria have resulted in one human fatality. As a precaution, it is advised to avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk
US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
Since January 2006, 36 British nationals, (including one child), and more than 180 other foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta area, with one British national being killed. On 10 August 2007, a British national was abducted from his car when driving to work in Port Harcourt. On 21 October 2007, in a violent armed attack on an offshore support vessel, three expatriates were abducted. On 27 September 2007, an oil company compound outside Port Harcourt was attacked. One Colombian oil worker was killed and two other expatriates kidnapped.
The high risk of kidnappings and other armed attacks in the Niger Delta applies also to ships and oil rigs at sea off the coast of the Delta. In 2007, there has been an increase in attacks offshore.
There is also a risk of kidnapping in other states in southeast Nigeria. On 17 March 2007, two Chinese nationals were abducted at Nnewi, Anambra State.
Visitors are advised against all travel to riverine areas of Cross River State (i.e. the river and swamp locations on or close to, the coast accessible only by boat, but not by road). They are also advised against all but essential travel to Akwa Ibom State because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks. Since 30 December 2007, a curfew (1800 - 0600) has been in place in the Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State.
It is advised that the security situation in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States makes them unsafe for visitors and it is therefore advised for visitors to leave. If you stay, you do so at your own risk and should take professional security advice.
There was a further round of gang related violence in Port Harcourt on 16 August, with incidents across the city. Since 17 August 2007, the Nigerian authorities have imposed a night time curfew on the city. On 1 January 2008, there were nineteen reported fatalities in Port Harcourt when armed militants attacked two police stations and a hotel.
It is advised against all but essential travel to Akwa Ibom State because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks. Visitors should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, observe the strictest security measures and not travel unnecessarily. If travelling by road you should use fully protected transport.
Local government elections are currently being held across Nigeria. Visitors should avoid large gatherings of people, as these can sometimes turn violent. Localised outbreaks of civil unrest can occur at short notice.
The most common problem for travellers is scam artists trying to extract money.
Violent crime is prevalent in the south of the country, including Lagos.
There is a general threat from terrorism in Nigeria. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Nigeria have resulted in one human fatality. As a precaution, it is advised to avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk
US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel