STORIES ON RECENT TRAVEL

Minor Crime

Nigeria's political and economic instability opens the door to a host of crimes, from basic robberies and pickpockets to armed robbery, assault, kidnapping, and car theft. Robbery and kidnapping are more frequent in the southern part of the country, while terrorist threats tend to be concentrated in the north.

Thieves generally prey on tourists, so keep your cash amount low at all times and avoid carrying your credit card. There is a large amount of credit card fraud throughout Nigeria, which is why most companies do not accept this form of payment from Nigeria.

Nigerian scams

Online money scams (Yahoo Yahoo) and fake marriages are other criminal activities that often target foreign travelers. Many of these crimes are initiated by email, and any suspicious messages must be reported to the authorities.

Shady characters are often present at the airport looking for a naive person to defraud or rob. Reports suggest that these criminals often pose as cab drivers.

While at the airport, be aware of some fraudulent customs officials. If you feel suspicious of anything, seek help from airport management.

Terrorism in Nigeria

Terrorist attacks can occur in any part of Nigeria, and several terrorist groups are operating throughout the country.

Terrorist groups include Boko Haram, and the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWA), the terrorist group linked to Al Qaeda Ansaru (Jamaat al Ansar al Muslimeen fi Bilad al Sudan), and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

MEND is the group focused on oil and aimed to control this and other natural resources, such as gas, in the country, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

The UK Government advisory states that "most of the attacks take place in the north and northeast of Nigeria," however, there have been many attacks elsewhere. Travelers should always stay alert and pay attention to their surroundings.

No-Go areas

Several Nigerian provinces are considered forbidden areas due to terrorist and criminal activities and attacks.

British and US government travel advisories warn against travel to Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa state due to the high risk of terrorist attacks. Other areas to avoid include Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Delta, and Rivers states (except Port Harcourt). In the north Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, and Kano states.

Be very careful when traveling to any part of the country.

Crime in Lagos State

Lagos, the country's commercial capital, is considered a high-risk area for travelers, so you must be careful on the streets. Avoid walking alone at night in the street of Lagos, even if you are in a group, as the night can pose the most significant risks to locals and tourists alike, with most attacks occurring after 10 p.m.

Kidnapping and robbery

The states of Anambra, especially the Enugu-Awka-Onitsha highway, Kogi, Abia, and Edo, are hotspots for robberies and kidnappings. Victims must immediately adhere to kidnappers' demands to avoid injury. Road trips should also be limited in these areas, especially outside of cities. Anyone who needs to travel in these places must do so by convoy during the day.