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.”
PUNCH
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1 comment:
Damn it, i was thinking of inviting a good o'l friend. Thanks for the information anyway
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