Warden Message

August 14, 2006

The U.S. Consulate has received credible reports that several expatriates were seized from an evening venue in Port Harcourt on Sunday, August 13. This venue is believed to be popular among expatriates living in Port Harcourt . This act represents a significant escalation in the recent kidnappings that have been taking place in the Port Harcourt and Niger Delta region.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident or would like to report a missing person, please contact the U.S. Consulate in Lagos or U.S. Embassy in Abuja immediately.

The U.S. Mission to Nigeria advises all American citizens to practice extreme caution in their daily activities and to avoid travel to the region. Americans in the area should limit their travel, particularly at night, and should avoid public venues whenever possible. Americans should review their security procedures, remain vigilant to their surroundings, and report specific incidences of targeted violence to the U.S. Consulate in Lagos at 01-261-0050. You may also email the Lagos Consular Section at lagoscons2@state.gov.

Americans are encouraged to read the Department of State’s February 17, 2006 Travel Warning regarding travel to Nigeria (available online at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_928.html) and the Worldwide Caution announcement released on June 6, 2006 (available online at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html).

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 Business District, Abuja ; the telephone number is 09-461-4000. 

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.