Following the killing of a German national, the United States mission in Nigeria said it has temporarily deferred all but the most essential mission travel by U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission authority to northern Nigeria.
The mission also said it is discouraging travel to northern Nigeria and advises U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution if residing in or traveling to these areas.
In a post on its website http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/emac entitled, “Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens – Death of Western Hostage,” the embassy said The U.S. Embassy continues to monitor closely the ongoing threats posed by Nigerian extremist and criminal groups, and their stated intentions to carry out attacks against the Nigerian government and western interests and targets in Nigeria
The statement reads in part: “The U.S. Mission alerts U.S. citizens that captors killed a Western hostage, a German national, held hostage since his abduction in northeastern Nigeria in January 2012.??
According to media reports, the individual died during a May 31, 2012, military-led raid in northern Nigeria.? In addition, an Italian national was kidnapped in Ilorin, Kwara State, on May 28, 2012.
“As a reminder, curfews of varying durations remain in place in the cities of Gusau (Zamfara State), Kano (Kano State), Maiduguri (Borno State), Minna (Niger State), Potiskum (Yobe State), and Yola (Adamawa State).
The death of one hostage and the kidnapping of another highlight the continued threat of abductions and the potential targeting of Westerners in Northern Nigeria.? All U.S. citizens should review their current security situations and take appropriate precautions to ensure their personal security.”
It further stated: “During the past few months, Nigeria-based extremist groups have purportedly threatened to carry out attacks against government facilities and personnel, hotels, educational facilities (including schools attended by children of prominent as well as foreign individuals), religious institutions, communications centers, medical operations and facilities, media offices, markets, and mass transit facilities.? So far this year, extremists attacked many of these targets, killing and injuring hundreds.?
Locations where large crowds may gather, including large hotels, places of worship, shopping centers, and areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers are potential targets.? Nigerian police and military units may establish additional police checkpoints, security, and road blocks in major cities for the foreseeable future.”
It further warned its nationals visiting Nigeria to review their personal security plans, be aware of their surroundings at all times, monitor local news stations for updates, and report specific incidents of surveillance or targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.