Nigeria - Reconsider Travel - Violence

Nigeria is experiencing an uptick in violence, specifically in the southeast state of Imo. On Monday, 22 August, four Catholic nuns were stopped along highway and abducted. If the past predicts the future, they will be held for ransom.

According to Reuters, Zita Ihedoro, secretary general of Sisters of Jesus, the Saviour Generalate, said the four were abducted while travelling from Rivers state to Imo for a thanksgiving mass on Sunday.

The United States Embassy issued a security alert on 11 August, pertaining to the capitol city of Abuja, urging all citizens and directing Embassy personnel, to refrain from hiking or other unofficial travel outside of Abuja’s ring road.

The Embassy recommends travelers be aware of your surroundings, carry proper identification, have a personal security plan and keep your cell phone charged in case of Emergency.

The State Department travel advisory, issued on 20 April 2022, lists Nigeria as a Level 3 country, “reconsider travel” - The advisory highlights “Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime. Some areas have increased risk.”