Security advice for Northern Nigeria in the aftermath of the latest kidnappings

RPS Partnership is urging travellers to Northern Nigeria to review their personal security after a group of 7 foreigners were taken hostage in the northern Nigerian state of Bauchi, during an armed attack on 16 February 2013.

The Nigerian militant group Ansaru says it kidnapped seven foreign workers in a raid against construction firm Setraco that saw a security guard killed. Ansaru is an Islamist group, which emerged last June and recently also carried out a raid in which it kidnapped a French national. 

The raid was preceded by an attack on the local police station, when two vehicles were blown up, in the town of Jama'are, some 125 miles (200km) north of the state capital, Bauchi.

This incident was way beyond anything northern-based construction companies have experienced in decades in Nigeria.

RPS Partnership advises against all but essential travel to certain areas of Nigeria and if travel to these areas is essential, it is recommended to contact RPS Partnership.

RPS Partnership advises against ALL travel to:

•  Borno State
•  Yobe State
•  Riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States
•  Warri city
•  Kano city

RPS Partnership advises against ALL BUT ESSENTIAL travel to:

•  Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas in Plateau State
•  Gombe State
•  Mubi Town in Adamawa State and the area north of Mubi Town that borders Borno State
•  Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States
•  Abia State
• Kaduna City
• Zaria City
• Jos city

There is a high threat from terrorism in Nigeria. Attacks are often indiscriminate and may be against government, security and educational institutions.  Areas and places frequented by expatriates, foreign tourists and business travelers may also be targets and extra careful with your personal security when you are in those places.

A number of attacks have taken place around religious and public holidays and there have been regular attacks on churches in northern Nigeria at times of worship. RPS Partnership cannot therefore rule out further attacks taking place. You should be particularly vigilant at these times and in these locations. You should avoid affected areas in the immediate aftermath of an attack, due to the frequency of secondary attacks and explosions.  

Demonstrations have occurred in a number of cities across northern Nigeria as well as Abuja. Western embassies have previously closed at short notice as a precaution to these demonstrations. You should keep yourself informed of developments.  Be aware of current events in the news; for example Mali at the moment resonates with Islamist radicals, and may often trigger violence to empathise with them.

A number of curfews are being enforced across Nigeria. RPS Partnership is currently aware of curfews in Plateau, Kaduna and Yobe States and Kano City, Kogi Central Senatorial District and Mubi town in Adamawa State. Curfews are used on a regular basis in Nigeria following incidents and unrest, and can be imposed and lifted at short notice. Comply with all curfews. Monitor local media to find out about curfews that are being enforced.