The United States Embassy in Nigeria has advised its citizens to avoid making trips to the West African nation, citing escalating security concerns across the country.
In a statement on Thursday, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria reiterated its travel advisory earlier issued to citizens on September 21, wherein it warned of the prevalence of violent crimes in the country, which it said ramps up during the Yuletide.
U.S. authorities also advised its subjects currently residing in Nigeria to exercise extreme caution, as it noted that the Trump administration had “limited ability” to provide emergency services to nationals across the country due to heightened insecurity.
“Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, and rape – is common throughout the country,” the advisory read.
“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria, especially in the Northeast.
“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather,” it added.
