BOKO HARAM: US Sends Another Warning To American Citizens Living In Nigeria
The United States has sent two separate warnings to its citizens in Nigeria and those coming for the upcoming World Economic Forum, WEF, holding in Abuja next week.
According to the warning statement issued by the US State Department, the American government wants its citizens living in Nigeria to take precaution of likely attacks by Boko Haram terrorists.
The statement warned Americans in the country to avoid travelling to Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states where the Islamic sect has carried out a series of terrorist attacks, and kidnappings.
In a separate statement, the State Department issued a special warning to American delegates planning to attend the World Economic Forum in Abuja.
That annual three day meeting is scheduled to hold from 7-9 May in Abuja.
Below is the travel warning:
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Nigeria and recommends that U.S. citizens avoid all travel to Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states because of the May 14, 2013 state of
emergency proclamation for those three states by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
As of late April, groups associated with terrorism allegedly planned to mount an unspecified attack against the Sheraton Hotel in Nigeria, near the city of Lagos. There was no further information regarding which of the two Sheraton Hotels in Lagos was the possible target, or if both of the Sheraton Hotels are possible targets.
There is no further information regarding the timing or method of attack. U.S. citizens are cautioned to avoid these hotels at this time.
The security situation in the country remains fluid and unpredictable. The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens in Nigeria to keep personal safety and health in the forefront of your planning. We remind U.S. citizens to review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security."
On the World Economic Forum, the second warning read:
"The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria alerts U.S. citizens to the occurrence of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa. The event will be held in Abuja May 7- May 9, 2014. There will be a heavy security presence throughout Abuja during the week of the event and additional security checkpoints and traffic delays can be expected.
WEF officials and Nigerian authorities have designated several areas within the Abuja city center as secure zones, including the International Convention Centre, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Eagle Square, and several major hotels. Additional security checks and access restrictions can be expected in these areas.
The detonation of two separate vehicle-borne explosive devices on April 14 and May 1 in the Abuja suburb of Nyanya underscores the continued need for vigilance, particularly around churches, mosques, and other places of worship; locations where large crowds may gather; hotels; markets; malls; and other areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers."
Such warnings issued by the U.S. State Department are common in war zones, regions of conflict, countries undergoing civil unrest, or in so-called ‘disturbed areas,’ where American citizenry may travel, whether in business or vacation.
Analysts believe that the warnings indicate Washington is focusing more on Boko Haram activities since they were issued following recent events Nigeria.
It could be recalled that American diplomats in Nigeria have raised alarm over possible attack of terrorist groups on the financial hotel(s) in Lagos.
According to the information provided by the US Consulate General in Lagos, "groups associated with terrorism allegedly planned to mount an unspecified attack against the Sheraton Hotel in Nigeria, near the city of Lagos".
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