The Canadian government has warned its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Nigeria, owing to the “unpredictable security situation throughout the country”.
In a travel advisory to its citizens, Canada said there is a risk of inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings.
It advised Canadian citizens already in Nigeria to avoid travelling to Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara and Plateau states.
“Avoid non-essential travel to Nigeria due to the unpredictable security situation throughout the country and the significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings,” the advisory reads.
“Avoid all travel to the following regions due to the risk of terrorism, armed attacks, kidnapping, intercommunal and sectarian violence: The north-western states of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara, the north-central state of Plateau; the north-eastern states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe; the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers (with the exception of Rivers’ capital city, Port Harcourt, where we advise against non-essential travel).”
The north-American country urged its citizens to exercise a “high degree of caution” in the cities of Abuja, Calabar and Lagos.
“The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad,” it reads.
“We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
“The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an ‘as is’ basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied.
“The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.”