SECURITY REPORT: UK GOVERNMENT WARNS CITIZENS TO BEWARE OF 22 NIGERIAN STATES INCLUDING FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY
By Paul Ihechi Alagba
For Family Writers
The United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, FCO, has listed not less than 22 states in Nigeria, and advised the citizens boycott any form of visit to the states, or seek for routine security advise before embarking on any essential journey or visit to the less dangerous states.
Among the 22 states listed, the FCO warned that 7 Northern states/cities, including: Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Kano, Niger and Zamfara states; as well as riverine areas of Southern part of the country which included, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River states, have all been placed as out of bounds for not less than 117,000 British citizens who visits Nigeria annually.
The security alert report urged that any essential trips to states like Bauchi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Kogi, Abia and some parts of Kano state; as well as non-Riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states, must be accompanied with valuable security information and approval from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
According to the FCO report, "there is a continuing high threat from terrorism. Most attacks occur in the north east, particularly in Borno (including Maiduguri), Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe States.
"There have also been significant attacks in Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Bauchi, Abuja and Gombe. Further attacks could occur anywhere. Major towns and cities remain particularly at risk, including Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja as the federal capital.
"Attacks have taken place in public or crowded places, including places of worship."
The FCO however advised the British nationals already resident in Nigeria or planning a visit to "avoid public places where crowds gather, including religious gatherings and insecure public spaces like markets and transport hubs."
It noted that "a heavy security presence often indicates areas of particularly high risk. Avoid affected areas in the immediate aftermath of any attack.
"On 12 December 2015 a clash in Zaria, Kaduna State between the Nigerian Security Forces and The Islamic Movement in Nigeria resulted in a number of deaths. Be vigilant and take local advice on areas to avoid within the city.
"There is a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria especially in the Kogi region. Recent terrorist kidnaps have occurred mostly in northern Nigeria, but could occur anywhere in Nigeria. Kidnaps can be for financial or political gain, and can be motivated by criminality or terrorism.
"You should be aware of your surroundings and avoid large crowds or public demonstrations as they can turn violent unexpectedly. Follow news reports and be alert to developments. If you become aware of any nearby unrest or disturbances, you should leave the area immediately. Demonstrations and civil unrest can occur at short notice," it said.
Going further, FCO warned that "before considering any travel to areas to which the FCO advise against all or all but essential travel, take professional security advice. Be vigilant at all times, keep others informed of your travel plans and vary your routines.
"You should follow your employer’s security advice, make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly. The level of consular assistance available to British nationals in areas to which the FCO advise against all or all but essential travel is limited." the security report stated.
By Paul Ihechi Alagba
For Family Writers
The United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, FCO, has listed not less than 22 states in Nigeria, and advised the citizens boycott any form of visit to the states, or seek for routine security advise before embarking on any essential journey or visit to the less dangerous states.
Among the 22 states listed, the FCO warned that 7 Northern states/cities, including: Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Kano, Niger and Zamfara states; as well as riverine areas of Southern part of the country which included, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River states, have all been placed as out of bounds for not less than 117,000 British citizens who visits Nigeria annually.
The security alert report urged that any essential trips to states like Bauchi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Kogi, Abia and some parts of Kano state; as well as non-Riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states, must be accompanied with valuable security information and approval from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
According to the FCO report, "there is a continuing high threat from terrorism. Most attacks occur in the north east, particularly in Borno (including Maiduguri), Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe States.
"There have also been significant attacks in Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Bauchi, Abuja and Gombe. Further attacks could occur anywhere. Major towns and cities remain particularly at risk, including Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja as the federal capital.
"Attacks have taken place in public or crowded places, including places of worship."
The FCO however advised the British nationals already resident in Nigeria or planning a visit to "avoid public places where crowds gather, including religious gatherings and insecure public spaces like markets and transport hubs."
It noted that "a heavy security presence often indicates areas of particularly high risk. Avoid affected areas in the immediate aftermath of any attack.
"On 12 December 2015 a clash in Zaria, Kaduna State between the Nigerian Security Forces and The Islamic Movement in Nigeria resulted in a number of deaths. Be vigilant and take local advice on areas to avoid within the city.
"There is a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria especially in the Kogi region. Recent terrorist kidnaps have occurred mostly in northern Nigeria, but could occur anywhere in Nigeria. Kidnaps can be for financial or political gain, and can be motivated by criminality or terrorism.
"You should be aware of your surroundings and avoid large crowds or public demonstrations as they can turn violent unexpectedly. Follow news reports and be alert to developments. If you become aware of any nearby unrest or disturbances, you should leave the area immediately. Demonstrations and civil unrest can occur at short notice," it said.
Going further, FCO warned that "before considering any travel to areas to which the FCO advise against all or all but essential travel, take professional security advice. Be vigilant at all times, keep others informed of your travel plans and vary your routines.
"You should follow your employer’s security advice, make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly. The level of consular assistance available to British nationals in areas to which the FCO advise against all or all but essential travel is limited." the security report stated.
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT CREATED TERRORISTS/ TERRORISM CALLED ONE NIGERIA. WE SAY NO TO BRITISH EVIL,NO TO TERRORISM,NO TO ISLAMISTS MBUHARI NIGERIA. YES TO FREEDOM,YES TO HUMANITY,TRUTH AND LOVE. YES TO BIAFRAN REPUBLIC!!! 4RM THE BIAFRAN RABBI.
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