US citizens in Nigeria urged to take 'extra precautions' during Xmas, New Year holidays - The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has issued an 'emergency message' for all U.S. citizens in Nigeria, urging them to 'take extra precautions during the Christmas and New Year holiday season to ensure your safety and security'.  In the messsage, posted to the official website of the US Embassy in Nigeria, it said during the past year, Nigeria had experienced several significant security incidents, in an apparent reference to attacks by the Islamic sect Boko Haram and the spate of sectarian and ethnic violence recorded in parts of the African nation.

'The U.S. Embassy advises all U.S. citizens in the Federal Capital Territory and other large northern Nigerian cities to be particularly vigilant around churches and other places of worship, locations where large crowds may gather, and areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers during the upcoming holiday season. 

'In recent months violent attacks have taken place in the (northern) states of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau and Yobe, resulting in a number of casualties. 

'The Nigerian Security Services have heightened security measures in Nigeria as a result of threats posed by extremist groups and U.S. citizens should expect additional police and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible road blocks throughout the country during the holiday season,' the message said.

The Embassy urged all U.S. citizens to 'review their personal security plans, remain aware of their surroundings, including local events, monitor local news stations for updates, and report specific incidents of targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U. S. Consulate General'.

Pana 25/12/2011