Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens (August 26, 2011)

U.S. Embassy, Abuja | August 26, 2011

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria issues the following emergency message for the attention of all U.S. citizens in Nigeria.

A powerful explosion occurred this morning at the United Nations Headquarters in the Central Business District of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory at about 10:30 am.  The Embassy recommends all U.S. citizens find a safe place and remain there until we have additional information on the extent of the attack.  We have initial reports of casualties and damage to the UN building.  The U.S. Embassy has dispatched medical and security personnel to the scene to assist.  All U.S. mission personnel are currently on a "Stand Fast" order and all non-essential travel  has been suspended at least for the remainder of the day.  The Embassy has also canceled all travel for mission personnel over the upcoming holiday and festival season to northern Nigeria.  Heavy traffic congestion, road blocks, and significant police and other security force presence in the greater Abuja FCT area can be expected.

The U.S. Mission will provide additional information once it becomes available.  We advise all U.S. citizens to review their personal security plans, remain aware of their surroundings, including local events, monitor local news stations for updates, and report specific incidences of targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U. S. Consulate General in Lagos at the numbers below. U.S. citizens should maintain a high level of vigilance and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.  For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad."

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers in other areas by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens living or traveling to Nigeria are encouraged to register through the Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) website so they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Nigeria.  Citizens without internet access may register directly with the Embassy or Consulate General.  In using STEP, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy in Abuja (http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/) is located at Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District, Abuja; the local number is 09-461-4000.  If you are calling from the United States, please dial 011 [234] (9) 461-4000.  E-Mail: ConsularAbuja@state.gov.  For after-hours emergencies, U.S. citizens should call: 011 [234] (9) 461-4000 and ask to speak with the duty officer.

The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is located at 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos.  U.S. citizens can call [234] (1) 460-3600 during office hours (Monday through Thursday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Friday, 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM.).  For after-hours emergencies, call [234] (1) 460-3400.  The e-mail address for the Consular Section in Lagos is LagosACS@state.gov