US Warns Citizens Against Visiting Nigeria
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This Day (Lagos)
December 31, 2003
Posted to the web December 31, 2003
Nneoma Ukeje-Eloagu
Washington DC
The United States Department of State yesterday again issued a new travel notice, warning its citizens on the dangers of travel to Nigeria. The department said "conditions in Nigeria pose considerable risks to travelers."
The warning was issued to update information on religious/ethnic tensions, and fraudulent practices. This latest warning supercedes the last warning issued on June 26.
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According to the statement, "violent crime committed by ordinary criminals, as well as by persons in police and military uniforms, can occur throughout the country. Kidnapping for ransom of persons associated with the petroleum sector, including U.S. citizens, remains common in the Niger Delta area."
It also cited religious tensions, the lack of safety of use of air and road public transport, advance fee fraud, as well as clashes among rival ethnic groups as some of the reasons for the warning.
"Religious tension between some Muslim and Christian communities results in occasional acts of isolated communal violence that could erupt quickly and without warning. Rival ethnic groups have clashed violently, most recently in the Niger Delta region around Warri city," the warning reads.
On the public transportation system in Nigeria, the warning states that "use of public transportation throughout Nigeria can be dangerous and should be avoided. Taxis pose risks because of the possibility of fraudulent or criminal operators, old and unsafe vehicles, and poorly maintained roads. Most Nigerian airlines have ageing fleets, and maintenance and operational procedures may be inadequate to ensure passenger safety."
US Citizens wishing to travel to Nigeria on business are advised to check with the department of commerce or the department of state before embarking on the trip or revealing any financial or personal information to parties they are not familiar with.
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Citizens are also warned that they open themselves to possible physical harm if they pursue fraudulent business offers from Nigeria. It added that "the ability of U.S. Embassy officers to extricate U.S. citizens from unlawful business deals and their consequences is extremely limited."
The statement also calls on US citizens and Mission personnel in Nigeria to contact the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos for the most up-to-date information on travel restrictions, as it changes depending on security conditions.
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