| NIGERIA |
| GENESIS-SCI TRAVEL WARNINGS & ALAERTS |
August 8, 2002
This Travel Warning is being issued to update information on ethnic/religious conflicts and travel of U.S.
mission personnel. It supersedes the Travel Warning issued April 7, 2000.
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Nigeria. Conditions in Nigeria
pose considerable risks to travelers.
Violent crime, committed by ordinary criminals as well as by persons in police and military uniforms, can
occur throughout the country. Kidnapping for ransom of persons associated with the petroleum sector,
including U.S. citizens, remains common in the Niger Delta area.
On-going religious and ethnic conflicts exist in Nigeria between Muslim and Christian groups and between
other ethnic groups. In northern areas, there is on-going conflict over implementing Islamic Sharia law. In
late 2001, this conflict resulted in hundreds of deaths.
Periodically, travel by U.S. mission personnel is restricted based on changing security conditions. U.S.
citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos for the most
up-to-date information on these restrictions.
Use of public transportation throughout Nigeria is dangerous and should be avoided. Taxis pose risks
because of the possibility of fraudulent or criminal operators and poorly maintained vehicles. Most
Nigerian airlines have aging fleets, and maintenance and operational procedures may be inadequate to
ensure passenger safety.
Nigerian-based business, charity, and other scams target foreigners worldwide and pose a danger of
financial loss. Recipients pursuing such fraudulent offers risk physical harm if they travel to Nigeria.
Persons contemplating business deals in Nigeria are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department of
Commerce or the U.S. Department of State before providing any information or making any financial
commitments. No one should provide personal financial or account information to unknown parties. An
invitation to enter Nigeria without a visa is normally indicative of illegal activity. Under no circumstances
should U.S. citizens travel to Nigeria without a valid visa. Furthermore, the ability of U.S. Embassy
officers to extricate U.S. citizens from unlawful business deals and their consequences is extremely limited.
This Travel Warning is being issued to update information on ethnic/religious conflicts and travel of U.S.
mission personnel. It supersedes the Travel Warning issued April 7, 2000.
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Nigeria. Conditions in Nigeria
pose considerable risks to travelers.
Violent crime, committed by ordinary criminals as well as by persons in police and military uniforms, can
occur throughout the country. Kidnapping for ransom of persons associated with the petroleum sector,
including U.S. citizens, remains common in the Niger Delta area.
On-going religious and ethnic conflicts exist in Nigeria between Muslim and Christian groups and between
other ethnic groups. In northern areas, there is on-going conflict over implementing Islamic Sharia law. In
late 2001, this conflict resulted in hundreds of deaths.
Periodically, travel by U.S. mission personnel is restricted based on changing security conditions. U.S.
citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos for the most
up-to-date information on these restrictions.
Use of public transportation throughout Nigeria is dangerous and should be avoided. Taxis pose risks
because of the possibility of fraudulent or criminal operators and poorly maintained vehicles. Most
Nigerian airlines have aging fleets, and maintenance and operational procedures may be inadequate to
ensure passenger safety.
Nigerian-based business, charity, and other scams target foreigners worldwide and pose a danger of
financial loss. Recipients pursuing such fraudulent offers risk physical harm if they travel to Nigeria.
Persons contemplating business deals in Nigeria are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department of
Commerce or the U.S. Department of State before providing any information or making any financial
commitments. No one should provide personal financial or account information to unknown parties. An
invitation to enter Nigeria without a visa is normally indicative of illegal activity. Under no circumstances
should U.S. citizens travel to Nigeria without a valid visa. Furthermore, the ability of U.S. Embassy
officers to extricate U.S. citizens from unlawful business deals and their consequences is extremely limited.
