Emergency Security Message for U.S. Citizens (September 14, 2012)

September 14, 2012

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria issues this emergency security message for U.S. citizens in Nigeria.

The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and all associated facilities will close at 11:30 a.m., and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos will close at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 14, 2012. The U.S. Mission to Nigeria takes this action solely as a precautionary measure.  Protests against a controversial film may occur in Jos, Kano, and other parts of Nigeria.    U.S. citizens may wish to limit their travels beyond their residential compounds during the afternoon of September 14.

The Embassy continues to work closely with Nigerian Police and security agencies, which continue to take proactive security measures to ensure public safety.  U.S. Citizens in Nigeria should consider their personal security and to keep personal safety in the forefront of their planning.

This year, extremists have attacked many locations in Nigeria, killing and injuring hundreds of people.  They have threatened churches, mosques, media houses, police stations, immigration and customs offices, financial institutions, large hotels, shopping malls and markets, state government offices, communications centers, beer gardens, and nightclubs.  Attackers have also burned and destroyed several public and private schools in Borno, and targeted several educational institutions in Kano and churches in Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, Niger, and Borno states.  Additionally, extremists continue to target westerners for abduction.  As such, the situation in the country remains fluid and unpredictable. 

All U.S. citizens should use caution and discretion when deciding to attend large functions or visit establishments identified as potential targets, and respond appropriately if they detect suspicious activities.  Because of ongoing security concerns within the Federal Capital Territory, U.S. citizens should continue to expect heavy traffic congestion, road blocks, and significant police/security force deployments.  All U.S. citizens should remain vigilant, pay attention to their surroundings, limit exposure to large crowds, and keep their cellular telephones in close proximity for use in cases of emergency.

U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Nigeria are strongly advised to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Mission in Nigeria to contact you in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos for up-to-date information on any restrictions.  The U.S. Embassy in Abuja, located at Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, is open Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, located at 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, is open Monday-Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  The U.S. Embassy in Abuja can be reached by telephone, including after-hours emergencies, at +234(9) 461-4000, or by email at ConsularAbuja@state.gov.  The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos can be reached by telephone, including after-hours emergencies at +234(1) 460-3600 or +234 (1) 460-3400, or by email at LagosACS@state.gov.  For more information, please visit The U.S. Mission in Nigeria website at http://nigeria.usembassy.gov.

Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or the toll line 1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except on U.S. federal holidays).  You can also stay up to date by bookmarking The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website, www.travel.state.gov, which contains ALL current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as Worldwide Cautions.  The Bureau of Consular Affairs can also be followed on Twitter; the Bureau of Consular Affairs maintains a page on Facebook as well.