US Warns Citizens In Nigeria Over Security During Easter Holidays

Following the frequency of attacks in Nigeria in the past few days, the United States Department of States has warned American citizens living in Nigeria over possible attacks that might be carried out by extremists in the Northern parts of the country during the Easter celebration that will begin tomorrow through Monday.

The warning came on Wednesday, barely 48 hours after the US issued a fresh travel alert for Nigeria as a result of the bomb blast that reportedly claimed several lives and properties in Nyayan area of Abuja.

"The Government of Nigeria has declared Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21, public holidays, and given the history of bombing attacks on weekends (some associated with holidays), as well as the recent bombing in Nyanya on April 14, the US Mission in Nigeria urges all US citizens living and travelling in Nigeria to take extra precautions for your personal security and safety", according to a statement obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The US advised all American citizens to be particularly vigilant around churches and other places of worship, locations where large crowds may gather, government facilities, and areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers during the upcoming holiday weekend.

In the warning, the US noted that security measures in Nigeria remained heightened due to threats posed by extremist groups, stressing that its citizens should expect additional police and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible road blocks throughout the country during the holiday weekend.

The Department, however, recommended that US citizens travelling to or residing in Nigeria enroll in the Department of State's Smart Travelet Enrollment Programme (STEP) which it said would give Americans the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest US consulate to contact them in case of an emergency.