US, UK, OTHERS ISSUE TRAVEL WARNINGS ON NIGERIA

EMBASSIES of the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and
Canada on Wednesday issued fresh warnings to their citizens, advising them not
to travel to Nigeria.

The embassies hinged their warnings
on the deployment of troops in northern Mali, fearing attacks on Nigeria by
Islamic terrorists with sympathy for the Malian rebels, especially on Thursday
(today) that has already been declared a public holiday to mark the birth of
Prophet Mohammed.

Nigerian 1,200 troops arrived in
Bamako, Malian capital, on Sunday as part of an international military
intervention to end the crisis in the northern part of Mali.

Canadian embassy, for example, on its
website advised its citizens against non-essential travel to Nigeria, with
exception of Abuja; Calabar, Cross River State; and Lagos.

It also described the security
situation throughout the country as unpredictable, adding that there was a
significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter- communal clashes, armed attacks
and kidnappings.

The warning read in part: “Increased
threat of attacks and kidnappings Military clashes are occurring in Mali
between armed rebels and government forces. Since January 11, 2013, the French
military has been assisting the Malian government in efforts to repel these
rebels.

“Terrorist groups in the region have
declared their intention to increase attacks and kidnappings, targeting
Westerners. Citizens of countries supporting the military intervention are at
particular risk, but all travellers should exercise increased vigilance in the
region.

“There is a high threat of domestic
terrorism in the northern states of Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Kano and Kaduna, where
the extremist group, Boko Haram, which often claims responsibility for
terrorist attacks, is based.

“Boko Haram-related attacks have
resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries. A state of emergency is in effect
in some areas of Borno and Yobe states.

“There is a risk of foreign nationals
being kidnapped in some northern states of Nigeria.”

The UK, on its website which was
updated on January 13, 2013, and marked, “Still current” on 23 January, 2013,
said, “We advise against all travel to: Borno State, Yobe State, Riverine areas
of  Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. Warri city,
Kano city.

“We advise against ALL BUT ESSENTIAL
travel to: Bauchi State, Jos city, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas
in Plateau State, Gombe State, Mubi Town in Adamawa State and the area north of
Mubi Town that borders Borno State.

“Non-riverine areas of Delta,
Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states; Abia State, Kaduna City and Zaria City.

“There is a high threat from
terrorism in Nigeria. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including 
government,  security and educational institutions, international
organisations as well as public venues and areas such as restaurants, bars,
markets, hotels, shopping centres, places of worship and other areas frequented
by expatriates, foreign tourists and business travellers.

“A number of attacks have taken place
around religious and public holidays. There have been regular attacks on
churches in northern Nigeria at times of worship. We cannot therefore rule out
further attacks taking place. You should be particularly vigilant at these
times and in these locations.

You should avoid affected areas in
the immediate aftermath of an attack.

“Following French military
intervention in Mali, there is a possibility of retaliatory attacks targeting
Western interests in the region. We advise vigilance.”

On its part, the US Mission in
Nigeria said on its website, “The U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria encourages
US citizens in Nigeria to remain vigilant in light of recent events in Mali and
the potential for retaliatory actions towards westerners in the region.”

It, however, noted, “There is
currently no specific information on threats against US citizens in Nigeria. It
is prudent to be aware of events occurring in other countries of the region.

“As a precaution, US citizens in
Nigeria should exercise caution when in public areas, particularly areas
frequented by westerners such as: hotels, nightclubs, and various forms of
public transportation including ferries.”

It also advised citizens to “stay
tuned to media reports, be aware of your surroundings, and report suspicious
activity or unattended packages to the police. As always, avoid demonstrations
should you come upon them.”

Germany said, “Due to the military
operation in Mali, also Germans in Nigeria have to act on the assumption of an
increasing endangerment. Please take note of the updated travel advice of the
German Foreign Office.”

When one of our correspondents
contacted the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj-Gen. Bola Koleosho, he said
that the tone of the Canadian alert to its citizens was not out of place.

He said that it was a note of warning
to their citizens so they would be careful.

He said that there was nothing wrong
in the advice they gave to their citizens.

The Army spokesman said that the
warning did not mean that the Nigerian security agencies did not know what they
were doing or lacked the competence to secure the society.

He said that it was rather
encouraging that the statement urged the foreign citizens to report any unusual
movement to security agencies.

He said, “They are free to warn their
citizens, that doesn’t mean there is Armageddon

“The decision to go to Mali is a
joint decision of all ECOWAS countries, which has the support of the
international community.

“What they are doing is to warn their
citizens. It doesn’t mean we are not capable; it is just a word of caution.”