TRAVEL reports: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada have issued the following updates on the travel.gc.ca website to the following countries:
Nigeria: Avoid non-essential travel
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advise against non-essential travel to Nigeria.
The security situation in Nigeria is unpredictable and there is a significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks, banditry and kidnappings.
There is a high threat of domestic terrorism in some parts of Nigeria, especially in northeastern and middle-belt states, and the Federal Capital Territory, where the extremist group, Boko Haram, which often claims responsibility for terror attacks, is active.
Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and could target locations frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, including large hotels, bars, markets and shopping centres. Canadians are advised to maintain a high level of security awareness in these public areas. You should also be particularly cautious around places of worship, and avoid large gatherings. Vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) have targeted churches in several communities, including on religious holidays. On February 26 and March 11, churches in Jos were attacked by VBIEDs, causing deaths and injuries. In subsequent reprisal attacks, many Muslims were killed and injured. On April 8, Easter Sunday, a VBIED exploded in Kaduna and several hours later another bomb exploded in Jos. These attacks resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries. Nigerian authorities have declared a state of emergency in some areas of Borno, Yobe, Niger, and Plateau states. The borders with Cameroon, Niger and Chad could be closed on short notice.
Curfews are currently in effect for the cities of Gusau (Zamfara State), Kano (Kano State), Maiduguri (Borno State), Minna (Niger State), Potiskum (Yobe State), and Yola (Adamawa State). Canadians in affected areas are urged to limit their essential movements to daylight hours, avoid all public gatherings, keep a supply of basic foods on hand, monitor the security situation and closely follow the advice of local authorities, especially with respect to curfews.
Violent crimes occur in major urban centres such as Abuja and Lagos. Incidents include armed attacks against foreign nationals and assaults in areas frequented by foreigners. Travellers are advised to remain alert and extremely vigilant. After dark, all unnecessary travel should be avoided. Road accidents are a serious risk and Canadians should exercise great caution, especially highway travel and outside major urban areas.
Kidnappings are a particular threat in the Niger Delta region, but can occur elsewhere in the country. On May 31, an Italian national was kidnapped in Kwara State. On January 26, a German national was kidnapped in Kano and then killed on May 31. A British national and an Italian national were kidnapped in Kebbi on May 12, 2011, and killed by their captors on March 8, 2012.
Go to www.voyage.gc.ca for more information on these advisories, or call 1-800-267-6788 FREE 1-800-267-6788 in Canada and United States.