Events and Updates

Events and Updates

Sunday 20th October 2024
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SAFETY AND SECURITY


Location

Live Report Level - B


Local News

NSCDC CG Commander's wife kidnapped in Nasarawa

A man obviously a YAHOO guy hit a car came out to protest about what the man just did to her car. The yahoo guy instead of coming down from his car simply told the woman he would drive over her if she didn't get out of the way.

Governorship elections took place in Anambra State on November 6 2021. Vehicle movement within the state was restricted and travel into and out of the State prevented during the election. There was often a heightened risk of violence around elections. You should monitor local media for updates, and follow any instructions from local police and security forces.



Location

South-East-South-South
5 November, 2021

THREATH LEVEL - C

Stay Home: Avoid travelling unless is absolutely necessary

Since 9 August, there has been an increase in protests and demonstrations in the South East region of Nigeria. Protests, including "Stay at Home" protests, remain likely in the South East region. There have been reports of violence during Stay at Home protests previously. You should monitor local media, avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings and follow any instructions from local police and security forces.

There have been a number of attacks and targeted killings in the South East and South South regions of Nigeria, including in the states of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Delta, Edo and Ebonyi. Some of these attacks have been on isolated roads and in remote locations, but there is a chance that they could occur in metropolitan areas. There is also a heightened risk of indiscriminate attacks on police and security infrastructure, which may inadvertently affect bystanders. A number of states have imposed curfews. Travellers to these regions are advised to exercise caution if travelling in remote areas at night and follow local news and information outlets for further information, including on local curfews.

On 5 April, Owerri prison in Imo State was attacked. Reports suggest over 1,800 prisoners escaped. You should be extra vigilant if in the area.

The Nigerian police launched 'Operation Restore Peace' on 19 May to deal with the recent increase in insecurity in South South and South Eastern states. This may lead to an enhanced security presence on the ground. There is no indication as to how long this operation will last. You should exercise caution whilst travelling in the region.

During October 2020, there were a number of large-scale protests (known as #EndSARS protests) in Abuja, Lagos and other locations across Nigeria. Strikes over workers' rights in Kaduna State started on 17 May 2021. Protests have occurred and disruptions to transport and utilities have been reported. You should remain vigilant, avoid demonstrations, protests or large gatherings and pay attention to local media and social media reports on protest locations.

In January 2020, the al Qaeda-linked terrorist group Jamaat al Ansar al Muslimeen fi Bilad al Sudan, better known as Ansaru, claimed to have killed at least six people, kidnapped dozens, and destroyed several vehicles during an ambush along the Kaduna-Zaira highway in Kaduna State. You should avoid regular patterns of travel or movement, and aim to only travel during daylight hours.


ADVISORY


Residents are strongly advised to remain indoors being security conscious protester are strongly encouraged to be civil and law-abiding in all doings.

Since January 2018, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) has protested regularly in central Abuja and other cities. These protests, particularly in Abuja, have the potential to turn violent. Local media reported a fatality on 21 January 2020 when police allegedly fired gunshots and tear gas to disperse protesters near the Berger roundabout in Wuse, Abuja. Tensions remain heightened. You should monitor local media, avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings and follow any instructions from local police and security forces.

Incidents of inter-communal violence occur frequently throughout Nigeria, particularly in the middle belt states. Attacks can occur without warning. Although foreign nationals are not normally targeted, there is a risk you could be caught in an attack. You should be alert to local government announcements and media reporting.

Political rallies, protests and violent demonstrations can occur with little notice throughout the country. International news events can sometimes trigger anti-Western demonstrations. There is the potential for increased tension on Fridays. Keep yourself informed of developments and if you encounter a threatening or intimidating situation, don't try to make your way through it. Turn round and move to safety.

If you're working in Nigeria, you should follow your employer's local security guidelines. You are strongly advised to take professional security advice, be vigilant at all times and review your security measures regularly. Keep others informed of your travel plans and vary your routines. Make sure your accommodation is secure and consider pre-deployment training or travelling under close protection.

Be vigilant and take local advice on areas to avoid. Take particular care if you're visiting crowded public places or attending events which attract large crowds. Criminals often use these situations as cover for robbery and theft.