KIDNAPPED In NIGERIA
A mother’s heart-wrenching story powerfully demonstrates why nowhere in Nigeria is truly safe from the pervasive menace of kidnappers and criminal gangs, least of all the nation’s capital, Abuja. This unfortunate reality underscores the growing fears and concerns among Nigerians, as they grapple with the constant threat that looms over their daily lives.
by oyiza adaba, New york
A SPECIAL REPORT
Deborah Sanni (RIP) was last seen in Area 1 on March 3, 2024. (Photo: Sanni Family)
On March 3, 2024, 29-year old Deborah Sanni, an Area 1 resident of Abuja, stepped out of their family home around 8:00 PM to pick some supplies from a nearby shop. Then the unthinkable happened.
"Every day I wake up with her thoughts on my mind. I sleep with her thoughts on my mind, because it's just like a dream - a nightmare." - Mrs. Matilda. Sanni
Her grieving, yet strong mother, Mrs. Matilda Sanni recalls the heart-wrenching incident, which powerfully explains why nowhere in Nigeria is truly safe from kidnappers - least of all the nation’s capital, Abuja. This unfortunate reality reflects the growing fears and concerns among Nigerians, as they grapple with the constant threat that looms over their daily lives.
In Deborah Sanni's case, her family paid a ransom on the same night, which her captors withdrew before dawn on March 4, 2024. Then they went silent. After a difficult week of searching, her family learned that her body had been found a week earlier and sent to a mortuary in another part of Abuja. This raises concerns about communication between the Nigerian Police, other security agencies, and hospitals.
As we close out our year in 2024, we take a moment to remember all the victims of kidnapping in Nigeria, along with their families who continue to suffer. It is a sobering experience to review these statistics that reflect the plight of individuals who, tragically, will not be spending the upcoming year with their loved ones. The emotional toll this takes on families and communities is profound and deserves our attention and compassion.
SBM IntelLIGENCE 2024 Report
Nigeria’s security crisis has become increasingly complex, with armed groups and non-state actors exploiting the state’s weakened influence. This includes Boko Haram’s resurgence in the Northeast, armed gangs in the Northcentral and Northwest, secessionist violence in the Southeast, and gang-related issues in the Southwest. Amid these diverse security threats, widespread kidnap for ransom has emerged as a common thread.
Grim Reaping: Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry – A 2024 Update
- SBM INTELLIGENCE -
kidnapping statistics: SBM Intel 2024 Report
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Ozioma Onuzulike Expo Chicago Booth 374
Kó is pleased to debut at Expo Chicago, the international exposition of contemporary and modern art, in Chicago, Illinois. This presentation will showcase seven new ceramic artworks by Ozioma Onuzulike, featured in the Exposure section.
Ozioma Onuzulike Expo Chicago Booth 374
April 13-16, 2023
By AFRICA-RELATED
VIP Preview: April 13, 12-9 PM
Opening Night: April 13, 6-9 PM
* By Invitation
Public Days:
Friday, April 14, 11 AM-7 PM
Saturday, April 15, 11 AM-7 PM
Sunday, April 16, 11 AM-6 PM
Navy Pier, Festival Hall, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, Illinois
Kó is pleased to debut at Expo Chicago, the international exposition of contemporary and modern art, in Chicago, Illinois. This presentation will showcase seven new ceramic artworks by Ozioma Onuzulike, featured in the Exposure section.
Ozioma Onuzulike (b. 1972, Achi, Enugu State, Nigeria) creates large-scale ceramic installations that hang like tapestries, formed from thousands of ceramic palm kernel beads, terracotta, copper rings, and natural shells. He explores the aesthetic, symbolic and metaphorical nature of the clay working process – pounding, crushing, hammering, wedging, grinding, cutting, pinching, punching, perforating, burning, and firing. His recent work is inspired by yam tubers, palm kernel shells and honeycombs which he mass-produces in terracotta and weaves together in often laborious processes. He configures a multiplicity of the individual units in ways that call attention to pressing socio-political and environmental issues, such as reckless politics, bad governance, imperialism, terrorism and climate change. Adopting the laborious process of firing the materials through multiple kilns, each firing creates unique colors and textures in transforming the clay, oxides, glazes and recycled glass.
Hailing from Nigeria’s prestigious Nsukka School in Southeastern Nigeria, his work has become synonymous with Nsukka’s experimental art department which he has led, known for its conceptual and material processes. An important center for art education in Nigeria, the art department at Nsukka has been spearheaded by luminaries such as Nigerian modernists Uche Okeke and Chike Aniakor in the early 1970s, and has subsequently been led by pioneering artists including Obiora Udechukwu and El Anatsui, stressing the exploration of ideas, materials and forms sourced from the environment.
Ozioma Onuzulike graduated First Class from the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he now serves as Director of the Institute of African Studies. His solo exhibition, Seed Yams of Our Land, was held at the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), Lagos, Nigeria, in 2019, along with a presentation of his poetry collection of the same title also published by the CCA. kó presented Onuzulike’s exhibition, The Way We Are, in 2021. His works were included in [Re:]Entanglements: Colonial Collections in Decolonial Times at the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge, UK. His exhibition, Strings the Length of Our Palm’s Seal, was held at Chertlüdde, Berlin, in 2022. His work has been included in recent presentations at The Armory Show, 1-54 London, Artgenève and Zonamaco. Onuzulike is a fellow of the Civitella Ranieri Centre, Umbertide, Perugia, Italy, where he undertook a residency under the UNESCO-ASCHBERG Bursary for Artists, and an alumnus of the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, Maine, USA. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Anthropology and Archeology, University of Cambridge, Princeton University Art Museum, Hudson Valley Museum of Contemporary Art, New York, and the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, Lagos.
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Chibok Girls: 9 Years On
As we approach the tragic ninth anniversary of the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State – April 14, 2014 – our hearts remain broken at the failure to close this shameful chapter in our country’s history as promised by President Muhammadu Buhari in his address to the nation in 2015 and various times subsequently.
Image credit: MPAC Nigeria
Chibok Girls: 9 Years On
April 13, 2023
By AFRICA-RELATED
““O God of creation, direct our noble cause. Guide our leaders right; help our youth the truth to know.””
#BringBackOurGirls Demands Action & Accountability as Buhari's Administration Ends
““We can not claim to have defeated Boko Haram without rescuing the Chibok girls and all other innocent persons held hostage by insurgents.””
As we approach the tragic ninth anniversary of the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State – April 14, 2014 – our hearts remain broken at the failure to close this shameful chapter in our country’s history as promised by President Muhammadu Buhari in his address to the nation in 2015 and various times subsequently.
The last report we received on the status of the Chibok Girls in October 2022 is as follows:
● 276 Abducted
● 57 Escaped
● 107 Released
● 16 Rescued (by the Military)
● 96 Still Missing
We are equally distressed to learn that after a successful campaign by our gallant military in the last two years when they liberated thousands of people including over 12 girls – now women – and handed them over to the Borno State Government, our daughters and sisters remain in the custody of the State and have not been properly reunited with their families or back in control of their lives now that they are out of the hands of the terrorists. Have our girls escaped one form of captivity only to spend 6 months to one and a half years in a different form of captivity? What crime have they committed? Why are survivors of unimaginable trauma being treated this way?
We appeal and demand that the President fulfils his promise to his daughters from Chibok, to Leah Sharibu, his daughter from Dapchi and other victims of insurgency, bandits and kidnappers and rescue them before his term of office ends on May 29, 2023. The rescue and rehabilitation of our daughters whose education was interrupted and the restoration of peace in their communities will be an undeniable legacy of President Buhari’s administration.
Our Nine Demands at 9 years
1. Bring back our girls before May 29, 2023. A push to finally defeat Boko Haram, ISWAP, and liberate all our citizens
2. Accountability from the Borno State Government. A full report and debriefing for the parents on the status, academic plans and wishes of the rescued girls, women and children in their custody.
3. Provide closure for parents on the fate of their daughters who they have reason to believe are dead.
4. Psycho-social support for Chibok and other conflict-affected families of abducted students to address the trauma to families; equipping and completion of their education, shelter, and empowerment to earn a living.
5. Equip and motivate the police and armed forces and see to their welfare and proper care for the families of officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
6. Reinvest in the Victims Support Fund (VSF) to care for the practical needs of all returned and rescued girls, siblings and family members of girls. The federal government has seemingly abandoned VSF to the management of one generous citizen.
7. Public statement on the Missing Persons Register and immediate reopening of a properly resourced and staffed Missing Persons Desk at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
8. Report on the coordinated provision of security for schools – primary, secondary, and higher education at local, state and federal levels.
9. Status report on the Safe Schools Initiative and adequate financing to ensure its effectiveness.
BBOG will commemorate 9 years since the abduction as follows:
Friday 14th April, 4:30pm – 5:30pm WAT, Unity Fountain, Abuja
Chibok Community (KADA) Media Conference
Saturday 15th April, 12:00pm – 2:00pm WAT | Falomo Roundabout, Ikoyi, Lagos
Engagement with representatives
Global Voices of BBOG, Interfaith Prayers & Roll Call of the Missing
#BringBackOurGirls | #9YearsTooLong | #UntilAllAreFree | #HopeEndures
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List of National Museums in Nigeria
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) is an offshoot of a department in the then Federal Ministry of Works that was established in 1953. It was transferred to the Federal Ministry of information as the Department of Antiquities by ordinance 17 of the Colonial Government of 1953.
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) is Nigeria’s governing body that was “stablished to manage the collection, documentation, conservation and presentation of the National cultural properties to the public for the purposes of education, enlightenment and entertainment”.
By AFRICA-RELATED
List of National Museums in Nigeria
How many have you visited?
1
National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Abuja
Office of Head of Service,
Federal Secretariat Complex,
Block C, First Floor, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja FCT.
PMB, 171, Garki – Abuja
2
National Museum of Colonial History, Aba
No. 6 Ikot Ekpene Road
P.M.B. 7116 Aba,
Abia State.
3
National Museum, Abakaliki
No. 6 St. Patrick Road,
Kiriri, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State.
4
National Museum,
Abeokuta
Baptist Girls College, Idi-Aba, P.M.B. 2004 Abeokuta
Ogun State
5
National Museum,
Akure
Opposite Post Office
Oba Adesida Road, P.M.B 444
Akure, Ondo
6
National Museum,
Asaba
Mungo House Park,
P.M.B 95071
Asaba, Delta State.
7
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Mausoleum, Bauchi
Kofar Ran Road
Bauchi, Bauchi State
8
National Museum, Benin
Ring Road, Benin City
P.M.B. 1115, Benin City
Edo State
9
Rock Art Interpretive Centre, Birnin- Kudu
Kano-Bauchi Road
Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State
10
National Museum,
Calabar
Ekpo Eyo Drive, P.M.B. 1180, Calabar, Cross River State
11
Slave History Museum, Calabar
Marina Resort,
P.M.B. 1180 Calabar, CRS
12
National Museum, Damaturu
Opposite Ben Kadio Housing Estate, Behind Cultural Centre, Maiduguri Road
Damaturu, Yobe State
13
National Museum of Unity, Enugu
65 Abakaliki Road
P.M.B. 1285, G.R.A, Enugu
14
National Museum,
Esie
P.M.B. 301, Esie
Kwara State
15
National Museum Gombe
Gombe Federal Secretariat Complex,
Room 289-294 2nd Floor,
Gombe City Centre, Gombe State.
16
National Museum,
Hong
Local Govt. Secretariat Complex, P.M.B. 2262,
Hong, Adamawa State
17
Institute of Archaeology & Museum Studies (I.A.M.S)
Opposite Central Bank Parking Space,
P.M.B 2031
Jos, Plateau State.
18
National Museum of Unity, Ibadan
Alesinloye Area, P.M.B. 5524,
Ibadan, Oyo State
19
National Museum ICT Centre, Oko Surulere
National Museum, Oko Surulere, Oko
P.O.Box 1706
Oko, Ogbomosho
Oyo State.
20
National Museum,
Igbo-Ukwu
Km. 4, Umudege Ezinifite Road,
Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata LGA, Anambra
21
National Museum,
Ile-Ife
Enuwa Square, P.M.B. 5515,
Enuwa Ile-Ife, Osun State
22
National Museum,
Ilorin
14 Abdulkadri Road, P.M.B. 1549,
GRA Ilorin, Kwara State
23
National Museum, Jalingo
Besides Taraba State Ministry of Culture and Tourism,
Opposite Governor’s Office, Jalingo
24
National Museum,
Jos
P.M.B. 2013,
Jos, Plateau State
25
National Museum, Kanta
Kanta Museum
P.M.B. 1001
Argungu
Kebbi State.
26
Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture (MOTNA), Jos
Opposite High Court
P.M.B. 2931, JosPlateau State
27
Zoological Garden, Jos
Opposite Jos Museum,
P.M.B. 2013, Jos Plateau State
28
Centre for Earth Construction Technology (CECTECH)
Opposite Jos Museum,
P.M.B. 2013 Jos, Plateau State
29
National Museum, Kaduna
No. 33, Ali Akilu Road
P.M.B. 2127, Kaduna, Kaduna State
30
Gidan Makama, Museum, Kano
Opposite Emir’s Palace, Kano city,
P.M.B. 2023, Kano State.
31
National Museum, Katsina
Kofa Uku, along Mohamadu Dikko Road,
P.M.B. 409, Katsina State.
32
National Museum, Koko
Nana Living Spring Museum,
Koko, Delta State
33
National Museum, Lafia
Behind Deputy Governor’s Office, Shendam Road,
P.M.B. 127, Lafia, Nasarawa State
34
National Museum, Lagos
King George V. Road, Onikan,
P.M.B. 12556, Lagos State.
35
National Museum of Colonial History, Lokoja
P.M.B. 1022, Lokoja,
Kogi State.
36
National Museum, Maiduguri
Custom Area, Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1029,
Maiduguri, Borno State
37
National Museum, Makurdi
GP 4, Ahmadu Bello, Opp. Deputy Governor’s Office,
P.M.B. 102294,
Makurdi,
Benue State.
38
National Museum, Minna
Federal Secretariat Complex, Minna,
P.M.B. 538, Minna, Niger State
39
National Museum, Nok
Kwoi-Jaba LGA, Kwoi,
P.M.B. 0006,
Kaduna State.
40
National Museum, Ogbomosho
No. 3 Museum Street
Off, Sunsun Road
P. O. Box 1602, Ogbomoso
Oyo State.
41
National Museum, Oron
P.M.B. 1004, Oron,
Akwa Ibom State
42
National Museum, Oshogbo
Ataoja’s Palace, P.M.B. 4376, Oshogbo
Osun State.
43
National Museum, Owerri
B65 Shell Camp, Off Orlu Road,
P.M.B. 1585, Owerri Imo State.
44
National Museum, Owo
Olowo’s Palace, Owo,
P.M.B. 1003, Owo,
Ondo State
45
National Museum, Oyo
No.1 Palace Road,
Aafin Oyo,
Oyo State
46
National Museum, Port Harcourt
Near No. 2 Hairle Street, Old GRA, Opp Delta Hotel,
P.M.B. 5766, Port Harcourt,
Rivers State.
47
National Museum, Sokoto
Federal Secretariat Complex, Sokoto,
P.M.B. 2367, Sokoto, Sokoto State.
48
Interpretation Centre, Sukur
Mubi-Maiduguri Road, Sukur,
P.M.B. 06, Madagali Local Government,
Adamawa State.
49
National War Museum, Umuahia
War Museum Road, Ebite-Amafor, Isingwu by Ugwunchara,
P.M.B. 7074, Umuahia, Abia State.
50
National Museum, Uyo
Ring Road II, Aka Offot (Behind Ibom Hall), P.M.B. 1109,
Uyo,
Akwa Ibom State.
51
National Museum, Yenagoa
Ijaw House
Sani Abacha Express Way,
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
52
National Museum, Yola
No. 2 Mohammed, Tukur Road, Off Ahmadu Bello Way (Opposite Army Command Primary School), Jimeta, P.M.B. 2262, Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State.
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ANALYSIS - The U.S Terror Threat Report And Mass Evacuation from Nigeria
Washington D.C-based Human Rights lawyer, Emmanuel Ogebe provides analysis of the rcent U.S Travel advisory to Nigeria, in what he describes as ‘The Afghanistanization of Nigeria’.
Emmanuel OGEBE | US Nigeria Law Group, Washington D.C
Insecurity in Nigeria
The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria recently elevated terror threat warning and ordered departure directives to its citizens. The following is an analysis of this incident.
Emmanuel Ogebe/Photo credit: Facebook
Washington D.C-based Human Rights lawyer, Emmanuel Ogebe provides analysis of U/S Travel advisory to Nigeria below, in what he describes as ‘The Afghanistanization of Nigeria’.
FACT-FINDING REPORT ON U.S. TERROR THREAT AND MASS EVACUATION FROM ABUJA - THE AFGHANISTANIZATION OF NIGERIA
During our recent humanitarian mission to Nigeria, our trip was prematurely truncated by the US embassy’s elevated terror threat warning and ordered departure directive.
The following is our report on this incident for purposes of sufficiently informing the general public to take appropriate care.
A. Immediate Causes of the terror alert: Failed and Foiled attacks
There were at least two immediate incidents that triggered the post-haste departure of Americans from the largest US embassy in Africa.
1.1 Failed attack - the first incident was the detection of an IED (Incendiary Explosive Device) which had been successfully deployed at a US diplomatic compound. Fortunately for the occupants, the bomb failed to detonate and so there was no casualty.
However there was sufficient alarm raised firstly that the terrorists were able to actually identify an unmarked US diplomatic compound and tactically deliver a bomb thereto.
The US alerted the Nigerian government, while forensic evaluation was in progress, to take serious action.
2. Foiled attack - subsequently Nigerian authorities busted a terror cell proximate to yet another larger US diplomatic compound in Abuja.
That terror cell had reportedly stockpiled bombs in readiness for the destruction of four churches also within its radius.
By this time, the forensic experts had concluded that the first IED recovered was lethal and that only poor construction had kept it from exploding.
Given this finding, the US authorities determined they could not rely on luck next time and having urged Nigeria to take stronger action as they did not want to pull out of the country, and not seeing a robust crackdown, ordered mass evacuation.
As an intelligence official said, “We have to be secure 100% of the time but the terrorists only need 1%.”
B. Remote Causes
1. Recent Fulani attacks on Westerners
Immediately prior to the bomb discovery incident, an American missionary was kidnapped by Fulani Herdsmen in the middlebelt.
According to our local partners who helped with hostage negotiations, her Fulani kidnappers said they were offered $20,000 to abduct a white person.
While this was not specific to Americans, Americans remain the highest number of western expatriates in most locations thus the statistical probability of getting an American is high.
Diplomatic security sources briefed us that on average an American is kidnapped every month. However this was taken to mean Nigerian American dual citizens. Thus the abduction of a white American female was unusual and especially alarming in north central Nigeria.
This is because of the international footprint of the Fulani kidnap franchise.
It will be recalled that an American missionary was kidnapped in the neighboring country of Niger only to be rescued later by American forces in Nigeria.
As Nigerian American professionals noted in a February 2021 letter to the US government:
“Secretary Blinken, the existential threat that the situation in Nigeria presents, of which the vicious Herdsmen militia’s atrocities are just a part, cannot be overemphasized.
It goes far beyond threats to the subregion.
SECURITY NOTICE – ELEVATED RISK OF TERROR ATTACKS – OCTOBER 23, 2022
Below are just a few instances of direct threats posed by Fulani militia to American and western allies:
1. In 2017, the first US military casualties in West Africa were caused by a Fulani terrorist who killed four US Green Berets in the nation of Niger in an ambush using cows. They were Staff Sgt. Bryan Black, 35; Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson, 39; Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright, 29 and Sgt. La David Johnson, 25.
2. Also in 2017, two German Archeologists were abducted by Fulani Herdsmen in Kaduna state, Nigeria.
3. In 2018, four American and Canadian citizens were abducted in Nigeria’s Kaduna state by a Fulani group…
4. In 2019, A British Aidworker Faye Mooney who worked for American Humanitarian organization Mercy Corp was killed in Kaduna State as a Fulani group attempted to abduct her.
5. In 2020, barely three months ago, US Navy Seals rescued missionary Philip Walton from Nigeria where he was hidden by the Fulani group who abducted him in Niger.
6. In 2021 already, Nigerian American Dennis Abuda was killed the same week three Chinesemen were also abducted in southern Nigeria…
Hordes of Fulani militia from across the region, crisscross international borders at will, descending on innocent Christian communities in north central and southern Nigeria and against non-Fulani Muslims and Christians in northwest Nigeria leaving a trail of death, destruction, rape, mass displacement and food shortage.”
It is believed that Philip Walton was brought from Niger to be resold to ISWA in Nigeria pursuant to the existing operational collaboration between the Fulanis and Boko Haram jihadists. This likely occasioned the prompt military intervention of the US to rescue him before he landed in ISWA’s hands.
Ex-captives of ISWA confirmed to us that among their fellow hostages in the terror camps were women kidnapped in Chad and sold to Nigerian terrorists.
The recent killing of the Alqaeda kingpin Al-Zawahiri by a U.S. drone in Afghanistan has likely increased the threat to Americans abroad.
It will be recalled that ISWA executed 11 Nigerian Christians at Christmas 2019 to avenge America’s killing of ISIS leader al-Baghdadi.
It is noteworthy that Boko Haram was affiliated with Alqaeda before Alqaeda‘s condemnation of its 2014 Chibok schoolgirl mass abductions caused a realignment to ISIS.
2. Historical terror attacks on Americans
It is notable that American diplomats were present at both of the first suicide bombings by Boko Haram in the nation’s capital Abuja.
Given the entirety of the threat matrix, especially the fact that the terrorists were able to rescue their members from Kuje prison in the FCT, including the leader of the Ansaru terror sect that specializes in abduction and killing of westerners, it was inevitable that the US would have to take drastic measures to secure its citizens.
ANALYSIS
The mass evacuation of US Diplomats and family members by all available commercial flights and chartered flight was precipitous and unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.
It will be recalled that even during the Biafra civil war in the ‘60s, Americans remained in country including Peace Corp members until the Nigerian government ordered them out. Many of them are still living and hold reunion events in the US regularly.
It should be made clear that the current evacuation was not meant to embarrass Nigeria as is being claimed in some quarters.
The US gave Nigeria adequate notice to remedy the situation before embarking on the costly option of extracting American personnel and families out of Abuja. To underscore how serious the situation was, even pets of American personnel were evacuated. These included dogs and cats.
Secondly the US does not undertake such a massive logistical operation for the purpose of embarrassing a nation.
It is to be emphasized that even in the US right now, the government has issued an elevated security threat around next week’s midterm elections. Responsible nations prioritize security of their citizens and pets over propaganda.
The Afghanistan-style evacuation is to be taken seriously as an indicator that rather than secure the nation, the Buhari administration has brought Nigeria to the verge of Talibanization.
It is instructive that the two times in recent history that the Americans came close to evacuation both involved Gen. Buhari.
In 2015, American diplomats were on standby for evacuation over concerns of a repeat of the 2011 Post-Election Violence orchestrated by Buhari’s supporters if he lost the election. The concession by President Jonathan defused the tension.
This time, rather than remain in the country to give a vote of confidence in his security apparatchik, Buhari absconded from Nigeria ostensibly to attend a vaccine conference in Korea, returned and then promptly departed on a two-week holiday to England.
Finally even the COVID pandemic evacuation of all US embassies worldwide was not as sudden as last week’s evacuation. Even then some diplomats who elected to remain in Nigeria were permitted to do so.
CONCLUSION
We urge Gen. Buhari to return home and cancel all further overseas trips so he can frontally face the insecurity at home. It is unconscionable that he departed without having the decency to empower Vice President Osinbajo as acting president. Even the terror command structure is better organized.
We urge the US government to take seriously our repeated concerns about religious extremism and persecution in Nigeria that has metastasized to the point that American diplomats have now become Internationally Displaced Persons and to reinstate Nigeria’s CPC status. This evacuation is the unfortunate destination point of years of deceptive policy positioning. It is not too late to reverse course.
We commend humanitarians such as the ransomed American missionary who declined our offer of evacuation to the US due to her lifelong commitment to Nigeria.
We urge the Nigerian public to be vigilant and defend themselves as those for peace significantly outnumber those for terror.
Emmanuel OGEBE is a Human Right Lawyer with US Nigeria Law Group in Washington D.C
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NIGERIA SECURITY ALERT - TRAVEL NOT RECOMMENDED FOR U.S CITIZENS
The Travel Advisory for Nigeria has been updated due to a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in Abuja, and travel to Abuja is NOT recommended for U.S. citizens at this time.
Africa-Related | New York
Threats Of Terrorism
The Travel Advisory for Nigeria has been updated due to a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in Abuja, and travel to Abuja is NOT recommended for U.S. citizens at this time.
The United States Mission in Nigeria issued a security alert to its citizens against travel to Nigeria. Here is what you need to know:
Location: Abuja Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria
Event: The Travel Advisory for Nigeria has been updated due to a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in Abuja. We recommend U.S. citizens do not travel to Abuja at this time. In addition, on October 27, 2022, the Department ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees from Abuja due to heightened risk of terrorist attacks, following on the October 25 authorization of departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members from Abuja due to heightened risk of terrorist attacks.
U.S. citizens should consider departing Abuja using available commercial options. U.S. citizens who wish to depart but are unable to secure commercial options to do so can contact the U.S. Consulate in Lagos at LagosFM@state.gov for assistance.
The U.S. Embassy Abuja is only able to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Abuja. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. U.S. Citizens in Nigeria who require assistance should contact LagosACS@state.gov or +234 1 460 3410.
If you decide to travel to Nigeria:
Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, if needed.
Use caution when walking or driving at night.
Keep a low profile.
Review travel routes and times to vary your predictability.
Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings.
Review your personal security plans.
Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
Establish a “proof of life” protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
Review the Country Security Report for Nigeria.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Abuja, Nigeria
Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area
+234 (9) 461-4328 and after hours +234 (9) 461-4000 press zero
AbujaACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Lagos
2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island
+234 (1) 460-3400 during business hours and after-hours
LagosACS@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP ) to receive Alerts.
Follow USinNigeria on Twitter and Facebook
Main Photo: Anthony Formin @aginbrook
US in Nigeria Twitter Photo
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U.S. COMMITS $1 MILLION TO FLOOD VICTIMS IN NIGERIA
The United States has pledged $1 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to support the 2.8 million people across the Nigeria affected by unprecedented flooding.
Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
Flood Victims
The United States has pledged $1 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to support the 2.8 million people across the Nigeria affected by unprecedented flooding.
Abuja – The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing $1 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to support the people affected by unprecedented flooding in Nigeria. The unusually heavy rainfall and resulting flooding has affected nearly 2.8 million people across the country. In addition, many homes have been damaged or completely destroyed, displacing millions of people.
The floods have exacerbated an already critical humanitarian situation in Nigeria, where ongoing conflict, especially in the northern region, has driven millions of people from their homes. In the same region, more than 4 million people are projected to continue experiencing acute food insecurity amid the worsening global food crisis. We are also concerned that standing floodwaters could increase the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states, where cholera outbreaks were declared in August and September and at least 7,750 cases were recorded. In 2022, 31 out of 36 states reported cholera cases.
“We are filled with grief for the flood victims who have lost so much – livelihoods, homes, and even loved ones,” said U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard. “The United States continues to stand with the people of Nigeria during this extremely difficult time,” Ambassador Leonard added.
The $1 million in new USAID support will allow local partners on the ground to provide emergency shelter assistance, relief commodities, and hygiene kits to promote safe and healthy practices amid the ongoing cholera outbreak, and multipurpose cash assistance for people impacted by the devastating floods.
As experts expect heavy rainfall and flooding to continue through November, due in part to climate change and insufficient drainage infrastructure, USAID disaster experts will continue monitoring the situation in close coordination with humanitarian partners and the Government of Nigeria to assess needs and determine if additional assistance is required.
The United States maintains a long history of providing humanitarian assistance across the country. In 2022, USAID provided more than $356 million in humanitarian assistance to people most affected by conflict and food insecurity in Nigeria. This life-saving assistance is in addition to USAID’s annual $539 million development budget for Nigeria that supports economic growth, health, democratic governance, and education.
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UN General Assembly - 🇳🇬 Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari Makes his Last Address
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria addresses the 77th Session of the United Nations General Debate
Africa-Related New York
Watch President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, as he addresses the 77th Session of the United Nations General Debate today.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Growing Food Insecurity
- Climate Change
- Insecurity and Armed Crisis
- Developing Nations Debt Crisis
- Threats to Global Democracy
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TEDx OKENE 2022: IT'S 2 DAYS TO GO!
Among the impressive lineup of speakers are Dr Tom Adaba OON of the Tom Adaba Legacy Project, teen speaker Ohinoyi Ohikere, Ms. Salamatu Yunusa, a first-class graduate of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of East London, and Rev. Fr. George Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation.
Rosemary Onubaiye | Africa-Related
“We want a changed mindset, one geared towards positivity.”
It's 2 days to go!
Don't miss #TEDxOkene 2022 this Saturday in Okene and online on Saturday September 3, 2022.
Among the impressive lineup of speakers are Dr Tom Adaba OON of the Tom Adaba Legacy Project, teen speaker Ohinoyi Ohikere, Ms Salamatu Yunusa, a first-class graduate of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of East London, and Rev. Fr. George Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation.
This year, the organisers are working towards a ‘changed mindset’ in individuals and communities. By pairing young mentees with inspiring mentors, they hope to better keep track of projects in development .
The event will be graced by the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM. Alh. (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim, alongside royal fathers and mothers. Past speakers like Hamza Lawal of Connected Development CODE, will be back as a guest
Check out more scenes from TEDXOkene 2021
MEET THE 2022 SPEAKERS
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LUX TERRA TRAINING: An Interfaith Approach To Transforming Nigeria
Lux Terra Foundation played host to 50 administrative and academic staff of the Academy, for a two-day training program on skill acquisition, mechanisms and strategies for Intensifying the Campaign for Integrity among Secondary School students.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“What we want to do is to try and see if we can get more voices involved, in countering corruption.”
Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, E.D LTLF hosts The International Islamic Academy, Madalla
In an era of religious intolerance and heightened sensitivities, it is always refreshing to witness collaborations across creeds. Such was the case on August 29-30, 2022, when Abuja-based Lux Terra Leadership Foundation headed by Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, hosted a training program for staff of International Islamic Academy, Madalla, Niger State.
The Foundation’s Apo location played host to 50 administrative and academic staff of the Academy, for a two-day training program on skills acquisition, mechanisms and strategies for intensifying the Campaign for Integrity among Secondary School students, and more.
The Islamic Academy is one of the four Secondary Schools across the North Central zone of Nigeria that Lux Terra is accompanying very closely in its MacArthur supported Integrity Campaign in the country.
Other elements of this ongoing Lux Terra integrity campaign project include the close accompanying of an Islamic religious community in Niger State, and a Christian religious community in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Lear more about the Integrity Campaign and other training programs at Lux Terra
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