Violent Crime

United States Mission Nigeria | November 25, 2009

The following message is being issued jointly by the U.S. Embassy Abuja and U.S. Consulate General Lagos for American citizens in Nigeria.

Attention all American citizens:

During the past week, armed robbers invaded the home of a U.S.  government employee in Abuja.  The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that violent crime committed by individual criminals and gangs, as well as by some persons wearing police and military uniforms, is a problem in Nigeria.  Visitors and resident Americans have experienced armed muggings, assaults, burglary, carjacking, kidnappings and extortion, often involving violence.  Home invasions remain a serious threat, with armed robbers accessing even guarded compounds by following, or tailgating, residents or visitors arriving by car into the compound, subduing guards and gaining entry into homes or apartments.  Armed robbers in Lagos have in the past also accessed waterfront compounds by boat.  U.S. citizens, as well as Nigerians and other expatriates, have been victims of armed robbery at banks and grocery stores, and on airport roads during both daylight and evening hours.  Law enforcement authorities usually respond slowly or not at all, and provide little or no investigative support to victims.  U.S. citizens, Nigerians, and other expatriates have experienced harassment and shakedowns at checkpoints and during encounters with Nigerian law enforcement officials.  Traveling outside of major cities after dark is not recommended due to both crime and road safety concerns.

Americans living or traveling in Nigeria are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Nigeria.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website (http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/) and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website (http://www.travel.state.gov/) , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad" (http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html), which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

The U.S. Embassy is located at 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central Area, Abuja. American citizens can call [234] (9) 461-4176 during office hours (Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.). For after-hours emergencies, call [234] (9) 461-4000.  The email address for the Consular Section in Abuja is ConsularAbuja@state.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General is located at 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos.  American citizens can call [234] (1) 460-3600 during office hours (Monday through7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.).  For after-hours emergencies, call [234] (1) 460-3400 or 0805-301-0268.  The e-mail address for the Consular Section in Lagos is Lagosacs@state.gov.