The Canadian government has warned its citizens to avoid traveling to Nigeria as it listed the country as a high-risk area for its citizens.
The Canadian described the security situation in Nigeria as unpredictable following a significant rise in terrorism and kidnapping incidents.
In a trave advisories sighted and reported by the Guardian, the Canadian government listed North-western states of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Soko and Zamfara; North-Central state of Plateau; North-eastern states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe; Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Southeastern states of Anambra and Imo, as well as Abuja, Calabar and Lagos as places to be avoided.
“Exercise a high degree of caution in the city of Lagos, specifically within the area covering Ikeja down to Lagos Island, Victoria Island and Ikoyi, and from Mile Two (west end of Lagos) to Chevron Estate on the Lekki Peninsula (east end of Lagos).
“Avoid non-essential travel beyond these areas. The level of criminality in Lagos is high and incidents of violent crime, including assaults and armed attacks, have occurred against foreign nationals and in areas frequented by foreigners. Avoid all unnecessary travel after dark.
“Kidnappings of foreign and Nigerian nationals occur throughout Nigeria. They are a particular threat in North, North-East and Southern Nigeria. Since April 2019, several kidnappings have occurred. Those crimes, often perpetrated by small groups of armed individuals, are indiscriminate. Residents and foreigners alike have been abducted and held captive, sometimes for days, until a ransom was paid. Deaths have also been reported.
“Incidents of armed carjacking occur along main roads throughout the country, however, they are of particular concern on the roads leading to the international and domestic airport; on main highways between state capitals; in main cities, including Lagos and Abuja
“Many strategies are used to stop cars on the road, such as nails being scattered on the road or individuals, including pregnant women, pretending to be injured. Do not drive at night, especially outside of major cities, due to the increased likelihood of armed banditry and kidnapping. Criminals often target travelers along major transit routes such as the Abuja – Kaduna highway.
“There is a threat of terrorism in the north-western and north-eastern states. A state of emergency has been in effect since 2013 in the states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe to account for the rising incidents of terrorism in the area.”
