THE United States (US) Mission in Nigeria has issued an emergency message to inform their citizens of potential threats against their installations during the July 4 holiday week.
The US Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria's capital city, is working with the authorities in Nigeria to implement additional security measures during this period.
The embassy remains open to the public. Individuals visiting the embassy are advised to remain alert and bring to the attention of US and/or Nigerian authorities any suspicious activities, or seemingly "out of place" objects, including unattended packages.
All U. government personnel in Abuja continue to be restricted from going to places of worship and all commercial establishments adjacent to any place of worship, and are required to return to their residences by 12:00 midnight.
The security situation in Nigeria is fluid and unpredictable at the moment. The US Mission in Nigeria, therefore, strongly urges US citizens in Nigeria to be mindful of their personal security and to keep personal safety in the forefront of their planning.
US citizens traveling to or residing in Nigeria are strongly advised to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with their nearest embassy or Consulate. '' By enrolling, you make it easier for the US Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of emergency'', the message said.
Citizens are instructed to contact the embassy in Abuja or the US Consulate General in Lagos for up-to-date information on any restrictions.
The embassy in Abuja is however, open Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The US Consulate General in Lagos is open Monday-Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They said the embassy in Abuja can be reached by telephone, including after-hours emergencies, at +234(9) 461-4000, and the Consulate General in Lagos, at +234(1) 460-3600 or +234 (1) 460-3400.
Continuing, the message said current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the US or a regular toll line at- 1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries.
''These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). You can also stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution'', the message added.ENDS
