Crime
Travel Alert: U.S. Warns Citizens About Risks In 18 Nigerian States
Travel Alert: U.S. Warns Citizens About Risks In 18 Nigerian States....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The United States government has released an updated travel advisory for Nigeria, urging its citizens to exercise caution when considering travel to specific Nigerian states. The advisory cites an “increased risk of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs” throughout the country.
In the revised travel advisory, issued on September 20 by the U.S. Department of State and published on Thursday on its official website, the Department has identified 18 Nigerian states with a flat “do not travel” warning.
Read Also Salaries Of Electoral Officials Under Review: A Step Toward Strengthening The Electoral Process
States under this “do not travel” warning include Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and Adamawa, primarily due to concerns related to terrorism and kidnapping. Additionally, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States have been designated as high-risk areas for kidnapping.
Other states on the advisory list include Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers States, primarily due to elevated risks of crime, kidnapping, and armed gang activities.
These states have been categorized as Level 4 areas, signifying the highest risk zones, and the advisory warns that the security situation in these states is “fluid and unpredictable” due to ongoing terrorist activities, inter-communal violence, and kidnapping incidents. The advisory highlights a range of violent crimes, including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape, which are prevalent across the country.
The advisory further emphasizes the frequency of kidnappings for ransom, with dual national citizens and U.S. citizens perceived as wealthy being common targets. Terrorist groups continue to plan and execute attacks across Nigeria, with a focus on crowded areas like shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where people gather. These groups often collaborate with local gangs to extend their reach.
In addition to these concerns, the advisory notes civil unrest and the presence of armed gangs in parts of Southern Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed criminality, including kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security forces, is prevalent in these areas. Tensions can escalate between farming and herding communities in rural regions.
The previous travel advisory issued by the U.S. Department on Nigeria was in August. The State Department’s earlier advisory, issued in January, had categorized Nigeria as a “Level 3 – Reconsider Travel” destination, citing the routine targeting of humanitarian camps, security forces, religious institutions, educational institutions, entertainment venues, and road travelers by terrorist groups based in the Northeast.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 19 individuals in Benin City, Edo State, for their alleged involvement in internet fraud activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to a statement issued on Monday via the EFCC’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the arrests were carried out by the Benin Zonal Command on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The operation was based on actionable intelligence that linked the suspects to a series of fraudulent cyber activities.
The EFCC disclosed that several high-value items were recovered from the suspects during the operation, including five luxury vehicles and multiple smartphones believed to have been used in perpetrating the crimes.
“Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, arrested 19 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Benin City, Edo State. The arrests were made based on credible intelligence connecting them to cybercrime activities,” the agency’s statement read.
Although further specifics regarding the alleged schemes have yet to be made public, the EFCC has assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be prosecuted once inquiries are concluded.
This operation is part of the Commission’s broader strategy to combat the rise in cybercrime across Nigeria, a crime trend colloquially referred to as “yahoo-yahoo.”
At least 40 individuals have lost their lives in a renewed wave of violence that struck Zike, a community in Kimakpa within the Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The assault, which unfolded in the early hours of Monday, left residents in terror as unidentified gunmen invaded the village, indiscriminately opening fire on civilians. Many who tried to escape were tragically caught in the barrage of bullets.
Community leader Wakili Tongwe, speaking to Channels Television, disclosed that he and security agents were patrolling a nearby area when the attack erupted.
“Despite engaging the attackers and pushing them back, the toll was already severe,” Tongwe said. “Thirty-six people died on the spot, and four others later succumbed to their injuries. Several victims are still receiving medical attention.”
This latest incident follows a disturbing trend of violence in Plateau State, coming just two weeks after a similar attack in Bokkos LGA claimed 52 lives.
Plateau’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, expressed strong condemnation of the act, describing it as “one attack too many” and a threat to the state’s fragile peace.
“It’s devastating to face another tragedy in Bassa, barely weeks after the Bokkos killings,” she lamented. “This appears to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace we’ve been working hard to restore.”
Ramnap urged residents to stay calm and vigilant, affirming that Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration remains committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
“The state will deal firmly with any individual or group involved in such barbaric acts,” she assured, warning against retaliatory violence.
As of press time, security agencies had not released an official statement on the latest attack.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Alhaji Sirajo Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State, following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations tied to a ₦70 billion fraud.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Jaja was released under the condition that he returns for upcoming court hearings. His arrest and prosecution have sparked speculations of political motivation, especially due to his previous criticisms of federal government policies.
Alongside Jaja, two others were also detained in relation to the case: Aliyu Abubakar, an unregistered bureau de change operator, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a PoS operator. All are being investigated for their roles in what’s being described as a massive financial scandal.
The case has generated national attention and added to ongoing scrutiny of public officials’ handling of state funds.
-
latest1 year agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
latest1 year agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
latest1 year agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
entertainment1 year agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
Politics1 year agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest1 year ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
-
Politics1 year agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
Crime1 year agoSpecial Forces Capture Suspected Kidnapper In Ekiti State