Press Release

Warden Message: Unrest in Delta State, Rivers State and Bayelsa State

September 23, 2005

The United States Consulate in Lagos continues to receive information of protests and incidents of violence in the Niger Delta area, specifically in and around Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The Consulate urges American Citizens to exercise caution in the Niger Delta region, especially in the states of Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa. The Consulate has received information that some foreign owned businesses are removing their employees from the Port Harcourt area. The US Mission to Nigeria has advised its employees to minimize travel to these areas to only essential personnel. The Consulate has advised American personnel working in the area to remain indoors and maintain a low profile. The Consulate continues to urge all American Citizens to limit their travel to and within the Delta region and to avoid large crowds and public places.

We further ask American citizens to review their security posture, maintain appropriate provisions, to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, and to review the Department of State's Travel Warning and Consular Information Sheet for Nigeria, available at www.travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens in Nigeria are strongly encouraged to register with the Department of State at https://travelregistration.state.gov. Those without Internet access may register in person at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate General in Lagos and obtain information there on travel and security in Nigeria. U.S. Embassy Abuja is located at Plot 1075, Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja, FCT; the telephone number is 09-461-4262. The U.S. Consulate Lagos is located at 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos; the telephone number is 01-261-1215. For after-hours emergencies, call 011 [234] (1) 261-1414, 261-0195, 261-0078, 261-0139, or 261-6477. In Abuja call 0803-408-6000.