US Issues Emergency Message to its Citizens in Nigeria
June 7 2012: Urgent Release to US Citizens in Nigeria;
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria is issuing this emergency message informing U.S. citizens of the ongoing violence in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Government forces and local extremists continue to exchange gun fire in Maiduguri, Borno State. The situation is fluid. The U.S. Embassy believes the situation will continue to deteriorate. The Embassy urges U.S. citizens to depart the city if conditions permit. If for any reason safe exit routes cannot be determined, we recommend that U.S. citizens shelter in place until it is safe to depart. The deteriorating security situation renders it extremely difficult for the Embassy to offer emergency services to Americans who decide to remain in Borno State.
U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Nigeria are strongly advised to enroll through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of emergency.
U.S. citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos for up-to-date information on any restrictions. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja is open Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The U.S. 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. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja can be reached by telephone, including after-hours emergencies, at +234(9) 461-4000. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos can be reached by telephone, including after-hours emergencies at +234(1) 460-3600 or +234 (1) 460-3400.
Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States 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. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
