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Reviewed: 6 October 2009, 16:30 NZDT
Still current at:
08 November 2009
There is extreme risk to your security in the Niger Delta States of Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River due to kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks. We advise against all travel to these areas.
New Zealanders who decide to travel to these areas of Nigeria against our advice should ensure that appropriate personal security protection measures are in place at all times. We strongly recommend you consult a reputable security company (with experience in Nigeria) for advice on security arrangements. Security arrangements should be reviewed on a regular basis. Such measures may mitigate the risks to your safety but cannot eliminate them entirely.
There is high risk to your security elsewhere in Nigeria due to the threat from terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime and the unpredictable security situation and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel.
Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and may be directed at locations known to be frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. New Zealanders are advised to be security conscious at all times, particularly in public areas.
Militants continue to kidnap expatriate oil workers and foreign businessmen for ransom throughout Nigeria. More than 250 foreign workers have been kidnapped, killed or injured in Nigeria since 2007.
Localised outbreaks of civil unrest can occur without warning. There have been clashes between militants and security forces in Bauchi, Kano, Yobe, Katsina and Borno States in recent months. New Zealanders in Nigeria are advised to avoid all large public gatherings, protests and demonstrations as they have the potential to lead to violence. Areas of military activity should be avoided at all times and we recommend you adhere to any restrictions and instructions issued by the local authorities, such as curfews.
Nigerian authorities consider militant camps and their immediate surrounding areas in the Delta States to be conflict zones. Unauthorised travel to these areas may be considered by the local authorities to be illegal and could result in detention or forcible removal.
Violent crime such as armed robbery and carjacking is prevalent in Nigeria. The roads to the airport in Lagos and Abuja appear to be particular targets. We advise you to be vigilant at all times, especially when undertaking road travel and at night.
Commercial and internet fraud is prevalent in Nigeria. New Zealanders should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our Internet Fraud and International Scams article.
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Nigeria to avoid offending local sensitivities.
Piracy is a significant problem in the coastal areas of the Bayelsa area of the Niger delta and near Lagos. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures in these waters. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Report [external site].
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Nigeria should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Nigeria are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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