Last updated: 22/06/2012
Rest valid: 11.07.112

General situation
In Nigeria, travelers must be very vigilant about their personal safety. Travel in the country should be considered only as part of an accompaniment provided by a trusted person familiar places.

In Nigeria, local conflicts of a political, social or religious can erupt at any moment. These conflicts, which are accompanied by violence , often result in death. The rate of crime is high, especially in urban areas. Since October 2010, bomb explosions and the violent clashes in several northern states have caused many victims. Further acts of violence are not excluded. Attendance at public places and popular religious sites and therefore requires special care.

The risk of kidnapping exists throughout the country. Against hostage taking for ransom are common in the Delta region for several years. However, in May 2011 and January 2012, abductions have also occurred in the north. Also consider the topic Terrorism and kidnappings.

Find out before and during your trip in the media about the security situation prevailing in the country. Stay away from demonstrations and rallies crowd, because they can escalate quickly, for no apparent reason, and follow the instructions of the authorities (curfew, etc.).


Specific regional risks
The description of risk areas based on approximate data, the risks can not be restricted to demarcated areas. Delta Region : Disorders and hostage taking are common in areas of oil extraction (Delta region). In addition, armed clashes occur regularly in Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers-State. It is not advisable to go in the following states: Abia, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi . If you go to the States of Cross River, Imo, Anambra and Edo, extra care is required.



Northern half of the country : Since November 2011, several northern states are the scene of violent clashes between security forces and Islamists who killed several hundred people. Security forces have dramatically increased their presence.
Since October 2010, many people were also injured or killed in bomb attacks in several northern cities. New attacks are not excluded.
Armed groups or Islamic terrorists operating in neighboring states in the north are considered capable of engaging in abductions in northern Nigeria (see special risk of kidnappings in the Sahara ) . In May 2011, an Italian citizen and a British national was kidnapped in January 2012 in Kebbi and a German in Kano. All three Europeans working in Nigeria for business. The three hostages were killed. It is not advisable to go in the states of Bauchi, Yobe, Borno, Kaduna and Kano. travel in other states of the northern half of the country should be undertaken only for compelling reasons, caution greater is required. Tourist travel is not advised.

Abuja (Federal Capital Territory): the capital Abuja is also the target of bomb attacks since October 2010. So far, a busy fish market, the headquarters of the police and the August 26, 2011 , the UN headquarters, were affected. These terrorist acts, whose motives were not entirely clear, have a large number of casualties and injuries. It is recommended for people who go to Abuja to exercise extreme caution when visiting places public and popular and religious sites. Other attacks are not excluded.

Plateau State: in mid-January and early March 2010 and August 2011, ethnic and religious clashes have taken place in the city of Jos, where police also intervened, and in villages around Jos. The violence, which resulted in several hundred deaths, are expressions of underlying tensions . The risk of further armed clashes in the region persists. It is not advisable to travel in the state of Plateau State.

Bakassi Peninsula: In June 2006, Cameroon and Nigeria signed an agreement to settle the border dispute. The Bakassi Peninsula was formally retroceded to Cameroon on 14 August 2008. Tensions remain, however. During the first half of 2009, crew members of foreign vessels were kidnapped by criminal gangs . It is not advisable to go to the Bakassi Peninsula.



Criminality
Crime is important throughout the country. There is a risk of kidnapping for ransom. The armed robbery (in the street or at home), rape, fraud and car theft and various flights (even in hotels and restaurants) are widespread. Travellers should therefore exercise the utmost vigilance. particular, it is advisable to take precautions following:

Always ensure that a trusted person familiar places looking for you at the airport to take you to the hotel and accompany you on the go (this recommendation applies particularly, but not limited to Lagos).
Traveling in convoy when moving within the country. The toll roads are not safe because of the risks of aggression. Avoid driving at night.
Do not carry valuables (watch, jewelry) with you.
Use caution with your credit cards or leave it out in, because abuse is common.
If possible, avoid using public transport (train, bus, taxi).
Not oppose any resistance if attacked because the attackers do not hesitate to use violence.
Use caution vis-à-vis the people you would know about the Internet. Sometimes criminals posing as people seeking friendship, love or business, to attract foreigners into the country to threaten them or remove them in order to extort money.
Waters and Nigerian ports are often the scene of acts of piracy that also target yachts and merchant vessels.
The Federal Office of Police advises to be wary of attractive proposals relating generally to financial transactions and precious metals from West Africa, with promises of windfall gains. You can find more information about these actions on the website of the Federal Office of Police. Federal Office of Police


Transport and infrastructure
The energy shortages periodicals (gasoline, diesel and electricity) regularly lead to temporary interruptions of traffic and thereby submit planning a trip to numerous hazards.

The roads are in poor condition and often impassable during the rainy season from April to October in the south, from May to September in the north.
Violations of traffic regulations and the unpredictable behavior of many road users increase the risk of accidents. In case of road accident which caused injuries, reprisals of the population are expected. It is therefore recommended not to stop, to the extent possible, to provide first aid, and go to the police station nearest you. It is best not to drive his car himself, but to rent a car and driver (see also the precautions above).

Security and maintenance of aircraft Nigerian do not correspond to European standards. Several aircraft accidents have been reported.