The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO,
which announced this in a travel advisory for its nationals weekend, said there
was a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria for ideological, financial or
political gain.
The states include Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna,
Katsina, Zamfara, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
The advisory read: "The groups have previously shown
intent and capability to conduct kidnaps in Nigeria. Foreign nationals,
including humanitarian workers, are likely targets for kidnap.
"Humanitarian hubs and workers have been targeted
during attacks in the North East, including Monguno, Borno State on June 13
2020.
"There's a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria.
Kidnaps can be motivated by criminality or terrorism and could be carried out
for ideological, financial or political gain. Anecdotal evidence suggests that
the risk of kidnap increases after dark.
"The security environment in the North East has
deteriorated since 2018 and there is a heightened risk of kidnap. Kidnaps in
the North East have included humanitarian and private sector workers.
"There are also reports that Boko Haram and Islamic
State West Africa, ISWA, are continuing to actively plan to kidnap foreigners.
"In North-East Nigeria, extremist groups operate in
some northern and middle belt states, including Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Kogi,
Kaduna, Niger and Adamawa states. If you're working or travelling in these
States then you should be aware of the risk of terrorist kidnapping."
The UK government also advised its citizens to be careful as
events to mark the one year anniversary of #EndSARS protests might lead to
additional protests in Lagos and Abuja, adding also that the trial of Nnamdi
Kanu, leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, scheduled for October 21
might lead to protests and heightened security presence in Abuja and the
South-East.
"The security environment in the North East has
deteriorated since 2018 and there is a heightened risk of kidnap. Kidnaps in
the North East have included humanitarian and private sector workers.
"There are also reports that Boko Haram and Islamic
State West Africa, ISWA, are continuing to actively plan to kidnap foreigners.
"In North-East Nigeria, extremist groups operate in
some northern and middle belt states, including Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Kogi,
Kaduna, Niger and Adamawa states. If you're working or travelling in these
States then you should be aware of the risk of terrorist kidnapping."
The UK government also advised its citizens to be careful as
events to mark the one year anniversary of #EndSARS protests might lead to
additional protests in Lagos and Abuja, adding also that the trial of Nnamdi
Kanu, leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, scheduled for October 21
might lead to protests and heightened security presence in Abuja and the
South-East.
"Since 9 August, there has been an increase in protests
and demonstrations in the South East region of Nigeria. Protests, including
"Stay at Home" protests, are likely during October in the South East
region.
"There have been reports of violence during Stay at
Home protests previously. You should monitor local media, avoid any
demonstrations or large gatherings and follow any instructions from local
police and security forces.
"There have been a number of attacks and targeted
killings in the South-east and Southsouth regions of Nigeria, including in the
states of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Delta, Edo and Ebonyi.
"Some of these attacks have been on isolated roads and
in remote locations, but there is a chance that they could occur in
metropolitan areas. There is also a heightened risk of indiscriminate attacks
on police and security infrastructure, which may inadvertently affect
bystanders.
"A number of states have imposed curfews. Travellers to
these regions are advised to exercise caution if travelling in remote areas at
night and follow local news and information outlets for further information,
including on local curfews," the advisory read further.
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