Nigeria 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Abuja

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in northern and central Nigeria. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Nigeria country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

U.S. Embassy Abuja has security and consular responsibility for the following states in Nigeria: Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Nassarawa, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Consulate General Lagos has security and consular responsibility for all other states in Nigeria.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Nigeria at Level 3, indicating travelers should reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime, which includes kidnappings, hijackings, boardings, theft, etc. Do not travel to Borno and Yobe States and Northern Adamawa State due to terrorism; Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, and Yobe states due to kidnapping; and Coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Delta, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Abuja as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Criminals are prone to use violence, and criminals may meet resistance with deadly force. Home invasions remain a threat, with armed robbers targeting guarded compounds by scaling perimeter walls, following residents/visitors, or subduing guards to gain entry. A significant number of kidnappings for ransom targeting Westerners have occurred in the Abuja Consular District.

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind

Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security

Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Cybersecurity Issues

Cybercrime has become a concern and is becoming more sophisticated. Business email compromise has proliferated and has included phishing, spear phishing, and even social engineering techniques. The technical proficiency has improved, making suspicious emails and contacts harder to identify.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Driving is a major safety concern, particularly outside of Abuja and Lagos. Most roads are below U.S. standards, and motorists typically do not yield the right-of-way or consider other vehicles or pedestrians. Expect excessive speed and reckless driving habits. Most vehicles lack basic maintenance and safety equipment.

Enforcement of traffic laws is inconsistent. Accidents involving passenger buses, taxis, and personally- owned vehicles are frequent, and often result in catastrophic injury—in a country where the standard of medical care is far below U.S. standards. Accidents also may draw large crowds that can become confrontational towards the driver, particularly if the accident involves a pedestrian.

Schedule travel, particularly outside major cities, during daylight hours only. Avoid driving at night.

Always slow down and follow directions of police/military at checkpoints. Police and military elements operating checkpoints may shoot at vehicles that appear to be a threat. At night, when approaching such a checkpoint, hide any valuables, turn off your headlights (leaving your driving lights on), turn on the interior dome light so the officers/soldiers can see how many people are in the vehicle, and remain stationary with your hands in plain sight. If asked for ID, keep your windows rolled up and press your ID against the window for officials to read.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

Avoid taxis, which are generally mechanically unsafe and unreliable. This includes private vehicles that may stop and offer pedestrians a ride to their destination.

Trains in Nigeria tend to be a slow and relatively safe form of transportation. However, consider ground transportation options once you arrive at your destination, as well as the limited options for escape, should there be a criminal and/or terrorist action against the train at a scheduled stop or along the route.

Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Avoid taxis for travel from the airport to the city upon arrival. Criminals posing as "meet and greet" airport facilitators have lured foreigners into cars purportedly to take them to their hotels, only to take their passenger to a secluded place and rob them. Do not leave the airport with anyone who does not show proper pre-arranged identification, even if the person is holding a sign with the traveler's name.

Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) has a new terminal and an excellent safety record. The Aviation Safety Network shows only seven accidents in its database (2019 data). None of the incidents involves error of the flight controllers or ground crews, with the most recent incident occurring in January 2018.

Outside of Abuja, smaller airports exist, but security protocols may not meet U.S. standards. Airport amenities are limited. Many smaller airports (some are only airstrips) cannot support nighttime operations and must rely on visual flight rules. Regional flights are routinely delayed, and accurate information on flight status is often unavailable either online or at airports.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Abuja as being a HIGH-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Regional terrorism remains a significant threat. Nigerian efforts to combat regional terrorism continue to prove challenging. The terrorist organizations Boko Haram (BH) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISIS-WA) are both active in northeastern Nigeria and are Department of State-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Both groups are responsible for deadly attacks on churches, schools, mosques, Nigerian government installations, educational institutions, and entertainment venues in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Lagos, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara states, and the Federal Capital Territory. Markets remain especially vulnerable. Both groups have the capability to manufacture and employ suicide vests, improvised explosive devices, and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices.

In 2016, Boko Haram divided into two factions. The new faction calls itself Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISIS-WA) and is an ISIS affiliate, while the other faction remained loyal to its historical leadership. Boko Haram is suspected of or has claimed responsibility for most of the terrorist activity in Nigeria, but ISIS-WA has become increasingly active. Boko Haram has conducted kidnappings, killings, bombings, and attacks on civilian and military targets, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, injuries, and significant destruction of property. While generally operating in northeastern Nigeria, these groups are not confined there. Nigerian security forces have been largely successful in disrupting operations in other parts of the country, including in Abuja, since 2014.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Westerners and foreigners in general (including individuals who work for them) are susceptible to kidnapping, injury, or death in locations prone to targeting by BH, ISIS-WA, and other armed groups. As Nigerian counter-terrorism efforts ebb and flow in terms of success, groups such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) providing humanitarian assistance in the northeast face potential terrorist targeting. They also operate under close government scrutiny.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Abuja as being a HIGH-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Demonstrations can become violent. In 2019, Islamic Movement of Nigeria demonstrations in Abuja, for example, resulted in parked cars being set afire along the route, attacks on government buildings, and the death of a senior police official. Visitors and residents should avoid large political gatherings and remain aware of their surroundings. Demonstrations conducted without the permission of the government, or which stray outside of agreed-upon parameters, generally face aggressive crowd-control actions by security forces, including the deployment of teargas and firing of weapons into the air. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

So-called “farmer-herder” clashes are prevalent in the Middle Belt states of Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Kaduna, and Nasarwara. The primary source of the conflict is a function of diminishing resources—arable land versus grazing land. Attacks and reprisals between farmers and herders in Nigeria have resulted in the deaths of more than 3,500 people, and displaced hundreds of thousands since 2015. Often portrayed in the Western media as religious violence, it is important to note that while the two sides practice different religions, this is an economic dispute; religious belief does not play a part in the violent motivations of either side. Security operations to root out bandits and kidnappers, local conflict resolution measures, and increased government focus on resolving underlying resource issues have decreased conflict over the past year. Nonetheless, communal farmer-herder clashes continue to occur when herds move south.

Westerners are not part of this conflict, but travel into regions where such conflict is ongoing may result in targeting over a perception of supporting “the enemy,” or targeting by mistake. Avoid such areas, but if you must travel in such ongoing conflict zones, exercise extreme caution and limit travel to daylight hours only and travel only to major cities.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Frequent flooding occurs during the rainy season (March-October), particularly in the eastern states of Adamawa and Taraba, when Cameroonian authorities release water from dams upstream to prevent too much water from being retained. During the dry season (November-February) wind-driven dust from the Saraha diminishes visibility throughout the northern half of the country, making driving even more hazardous. Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Nigeria. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you, and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.

Economic Espionage/Intellectual Property Theft

Economic fraud involving credit card fraud, skimming, and identity theft is widespread. Personal checks are not a commonly accepted monetary instrument. ATM and credit cards are accepted at larger, reputable locations, but visitors should use them with caution. Some international hotel brands are present in Lagos and throughout southern Nigeria. These locations have adequate security and safety measures in place. Due to widespread identity and financial fraud, do not carry unnecessarily detailed information about yourself and your financial situation. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Scams are prevalent, and include offers of fake business opportunities and romance schemes. Fraud is common in Nigeria, with “419” style advance-fee fraud being the most pervasive. 419 scams are classic email frauds and frequently involve the well-known “Nigerian Prince” scam. However, more sophisticated scams and fraud networks exist. One of these more sophisticated scam-based criminal enterprises include “Yahoo boys” who use diverse ploys and platforms including dating sites, chat rooms, social media, and other online conduits to deceive their victims.

Fraud also finds its way into the private sector via business fraud and investment scams, especially when attempting to lease or purchase land in Lagos State. Remain wary of business offers promising large payoffs for little investment. Review the U.S. Embassy’s webpage on scams.

Online dating scams are elaborate and believable, and prey on vulnerable people searching for love. An increasing number of incidents involve scammers persuading middle-aged U.S. or European females to travel to Nigeria to marry fiancés they met online. Although the women believe the relationship is legitimate, Nigeria-based perpetrators deliberately cultivate these connections to obtain immigration and/or financial benefits. In most instances, the Nigerian contacts defraud victims of their savings; however, in a handful of cases, they hold victims against their will after traveling to Nigeria, and occasionally physically and/or sexually assault them in order to obtain cooperation.

Many romance scams originate on legitimate dating websites and quickly transition to personal messaging applications, such as WhatsApp or Skype. The person based in Nigeria will court the foreigner online and initially ask for small amounts of money to cover “traditional” wedding expenses and visa fees. The Nigeria-based person may or may not use photographs with their true identity. Recent reports suggest that Nigeria-based perpetrators have increasingly asked for sexually explicit or provocative photographs for later use to extort money from the foreign victim.

Personal Identity Concerns

Rape remains a serious problem. There is no comprehensive national law for combatting violence against women. Rape is a crime in Nigeria, but sentences for persons convicted of rape and sexual assault are inconsistent and often minor. According to the Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, currently applicable only in the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) until adopted by the states, rape is punishable by 12 years to life imprisonment for offenders older than 14, and a maximum of 14 years’ imprisonment for all others. The VAPP Act also addresses sexual violence, physical violence, psychological violence, harmful traditional practices, and socioeconomic violence. Federal law criminalizes female circumcision or genital mutilation (FGM/C). Twelve states have also banned FGM/C, though the practice remains common in parts of both northern and southern Nigeria. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

Consensual, same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Nigeria. Entering same-sex marriage contracts and civil unions (defined to include “any arrangement between persons of the same sex to live together as sex partners”) is also illegal, with punishments including fines and prison sentences of up to 14 years. Nigerian law does not recognize same-sex marriage contracts and civil unions entered into in a foreign country. Public displays of affection between persons of the same sex are also punishable by up to ten years’ imprisonment. The law allows for the prosecution of persons who support or belong to advocacy groups relating to LGBTI+ issues, with prison sentences of up to ten years. U.S. citizens who participate in free speech or assemblies relating to same sex marriage could potentially face prosecution under this law. In the following northern states, where Sharia law applies, penalties can also include death: Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Persons with disabilities can expect to experience difficultly in terms of accessibility and accommodation. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith- based travelers.

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnapping is a serious security concern. Criminals/militants have abducted foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, from residential compounds, public roadways, and from offshore and land-based oil facilities. A Kidnapping for ransom is generally a non-violent, businesslike, transactional crime (although the criminals do take abductees at gunpoint), in which the captor releases the victim following a negotiated ransom. This is in sharp contrast to a kidnapping motivated by terrorist ideology. Seriously consider kidnapping insurance. Report suspected kidnappings immediately to the U.S. Embassy. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Other Issues

Never photograph public buildings, monuments, or airports. Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.

Police Response

There is no reliable national emergency communication number. Contact the American Citizen Services unit at the U.S. Embassy for assistance: +234 9 461 4000.

A lack of basic resources (communications equipment, vehicles, and fuel) severely hampers effective police response. Investigative efforts suffer from similar resource constraints.

U.S. citizens, Nigerians, and expatriates have reported harassment and extortion at vehicle checkpoints and in other encounters with law enforcement officials. Police have entered vehicles to “negotiate” with a driver accused of some minor traffic offense—usually this is a thinly-disguised attempt to solicit a bribe to let the accused go free. Avoid this situation simply by keeping the vehicle’s windows rolled up and doors locked. While all encounters with Nigerian police are not necessarily negative, the driver can worsen the situation with rude, offensive, and discourteous behavior.

Many businesses and wealthy residents employ guard services at work and home. Many companies offer varying quality of service. As Nigerian law prohibits the arming of private security personnel, off-duty police supplement guard forces.

Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Medical Emergencies

Emergency medical care is subpar by Western standards. None of the several modern-looking hospitals and clinics in larger cities meet U.S. healthcare standards. Poor medical training, a lack of functional equipment, and poor sterilization remain concerns for patients at most hospitals and clinics. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.

The availability of dependable and safe over-the-counter and prescription medications is a concern. Counterfeit medical products, including medications, are common. Visitors should consider bringing a sufficient supply of needed medication.

All private hospitals and clinics require cash payments before receiving care. Prices can be quite high, and it is often difficult to withdraw the required amount of money in a single bank transaction. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas.

Typical childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, and chickenpox are common in Nigeria. All travelers should be up to date with all these immunizations, as well as such travel related immunizations such as hepatitis A, meningococcal, typhoid, and Yellow Fever. The following diseases are prevalent: Cholera; Dengue; Diarrheal illness; Hepatitis B; HIV/AIDS; Lassa Fever; Loiasis; Pertussis; Polio; Rabies; Rubella; Schistosomiasis; Tetanus; Trypanosomiasis; and Tuberculosis.

No areas have safe tap water. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless patrons specifically request bottled water. Restaurants may use tap water to make ice for drinks. Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died while seeking medical care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners. Maintain access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Nigeria.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.

OSAC Country Council Information

OSAC Country Councils are active in both Lagos and Abuja. Both Country Councils meet the last Thursday of each month. Access to both is available to active OSAC members only. Private-sector representatives interested in participating in the Country Councils should contact OSAC’s Africa team for more information.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Embassy Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday, 0730-1830, and Friday 0730-1230. Embassy Operator: +234 9-461-4000 Marine Security Guard at Post One: +234 9-461-4200 Embassy Duty Officer: +234 803-408-6000 Regional Security Office: +234 9-461-4175 American Citizen Services: +234 9-461-4000 Website: https://ng.usembassy.gov/

Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts In Nigeria

Consulate General Lagos, 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos. +234 1-460-3400.

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Traveler’s Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)