The United Kingdom has warned its nationals in Nigeria to be extra cautious, avoid crowds and demonstrations which can escalate to violence.
This comes a few days after the United States issued a similar travel warning to Americans, urging them to review their personal security measures and keep a low profile.
In a travel advisory posted on its website on Tuesday, the UK also advised Britons to be remain vigilant and keep tabs on the latest developments.
The warnings followed last week’s killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and his aides in a drone airstrike by the United States and the attendant protests by some Muslim youths and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja, which denounced the killing.
The UK advisory read in part, “The British High Commission is not aware of specific threats against British nationals, but you should continue to avoid large crowds and public demonstrations as they can turn violent unexpectedly and at short notice.
“If you become aware of any nearby unrest or disturbances, you should leave the area immediately. Be aware of your surroundings, remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media and this travel advice.”
It observed that the IMN, more known as as the Shi’ites, had protested regularly in Abuja and other cities since January 2018, adding that the protests, particularly in Abuja, had the potential to turn violent.
The UK government further its citizens that “if you’re planning to make a land crossing from Nigeria to Benin, check with the local authorities for the latest information before travelling”.
It added that terrorists might carry out attacks particularly in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, while there remains “a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria”.
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