Terror Alert: US Embassy issues safety tips for citizens travelling to Nigerian

The United States Embassy earlier this week issued a security alert on elevated risk of terror attacks in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

In the update of its travel advisory, “the Department ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees from Abuja due to heightened risk of terrorist attacks”.

Earlier, it had only given “authorization of departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members from Abuja due to heightened risk of terrorist attacks.”

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in the statement offers safety tips for citizens that “decide to travel to Nigeria”.

The safety tips are listed below:

• Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, if needed.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Keep a low profile.
• Review travel routes and times to vary your predictability.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings.
• Review your personal security plans.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Establish a “proof of life” protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Nigeria.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.