VIA US EMBASSY IN NIGERIA
September 12, 2012
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria issues this emergency message to update U.S.
citizens on the current threat situation in Nigeria.
The U.S. Mission reminds citizens of the continued threat of terrorist
attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens
and interests overseas. Violent and deadly demonstrations and attacks
occurred in Cairo, Egypt, and Benghazi, Libya, during the past 24 hours,
including a lethal attack against the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi.
Extremists may attempt to target U.S citizens and other Westerners in
Nigeria. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria strongly urges U.S. citizens in
Nigeria to consider their personal security and to keep personal safety
in the forefront of their planning.
Last week, extremists attacked cellular telephone towers in Northern
Nigeria, damaging over 30 towers and degrading cellular telephone and
internet communications nationwide. Additional attacks could further
weaken the ability of citizens to communicate through cellular
telephones and the internet. Land line telephone communications in
Nigeria remain limited. U.S. citizens should attempt to arrange for
multiple means of communication during emergencies.
This year, extremists have attacked many locations in Nigeria, killing
and injuring hundreds of people. They have threatened churches,
mosques, media houses, police stations, immigration and customs offices,
financial institutions, large hotels, shopping malls and markets, state
government offices, communications centers, beer gardens, and
nightclubs. Attackers have also burned and destroyed several public and
private schools in Borno, and targeted several educational institutions
in Kano and churches in Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, Niger, and Borno
states. Additionally, extremists continue to target westerners for
abduction. As such, the situation in the country remains fluid and
unpredictable.
All U.S. citizens should use caution and discretion when deciding to
attend large functions or visit establishments identified as potential
targets, and respond appropriately if they detect suspicious activities.
Because of ongoing security concerns within the Federal Capital
Territory, U.S. citizens should continue to expect heavy traffic
congestion, road blocks, and significant police/security force
deployments. All U.S. citizens should remain vigilant, pay attention to
their surroundings, limit exposure to large crowds, and keep their
cellular telephones in close proximity for use in cases of emergency.
U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Nigeria are strongly advised
to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
<https://step.state.gov/> (STEP). U.S. citizens without Internet
access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Mission in Nigeria to
contact you in case of emergency.
U.S. citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S.
Consulate General in Lagos for up-to-date information on any
restrictions. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja, located at Plot 1075
Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, is open Monday - Thursday 7:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The U.S. Consulate
General in Lagos, located at 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria
Island, is open Monday-Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday
7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja can be reached by
telephone, including after-hours emergencies, at , or by
email at ConsularAbuja@state.gov. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos
can be reached by telephone, including after-hours emergencies at
or , or by email at LagosACS@state.gov
<mailto:LagosACS@state.gov> . For more information, please visit The
U.S. Mission in Nigeria website at http://nigeria.usembassy.gov
<http://nigeria.usembassy.gov> .
Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by
calling toll-free in the United States or THE regular
toll line for callers from other countries. These
numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday
through Friday (except ON U.S. federal holidays). You can also stay up
to date by bookmarking The Department of State's Bureau of Consular
Affairs website, www.travel.state.gov <http://www.travel.state.gov> ,
which contains ALL current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as
Worldwide Cautions. The Bureau of Consular Affairs can also be followed
on Twitter; the Bureau of Consular Affairs maintains A page on Facebook
as well.
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