Warden Messages
U.S. Embassy, Abuja U.S. Consulate General Lagos Nigeria | April 13, 2007
This Warden message is being issued to inform American citizens in Nigeria about a noticeable increase in violent crime and of an increase in public political activities, some of which have been occasioned by violence, in connection with the upcoming elections. We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.
Given the possibility of some localized disturbances during this period, the U.S. Consulate General Lagos has advised its American citizen personnel and family members that they must obtain prior approval from the Regional Security Officer (RSO) to travel outside of their residential compounds on Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15.
The U.S. Mission also reminds American citizens of the travel restrictions established by the Government of Nigeria during the conduct of elections on April 14 and 21. For the days not covered above, the U.S. Mission continues to recommend that American citizens avoid restaurants, bars, and night clubs between the hours of 2200 and 0600.
We have recommended that our staff evaluate their current personal contingency/emergency planning and at a minimum take the following precautions:
- Fully fuel and inspect motor vehicles to ensure they are properly functioning;
- Stock up on food and water so that you have sufficient stores to last several days
- Check locks and doors and remain in positive control over all keys to entry ways, doors, and locks;
- Ensure mobile phones are fully charged; and
- Have on hand a basic first aid kit.
We continue to advise all Americans to review their security procedures, remain vigilant to their surroundings, and report specific incidences of targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U. S. Consulate General in Lagos at the numbers below.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs internet website at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. Federal Holidays.)
U.S. Embassy Abuja is located at Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District, Abuja; the telephone number is 09-461-4000. E-Mail: ConsularAbuja@state.gov
The U.S. Consulate Lagos is located at 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos; the telephone number is 01-261-1215. For after-hours emergencies, call 011 [234] (1) 261-1414, 261-0195, 261-0078, 261-0139, or 261-6477. E-Mail: lagoscons2@state.gov
Website: http://nigeria.usembassy.gov