As Nigeria approaches the week leading up to its presidential election, the United States of America (USA) has issued a safety alert to its residents there.
The US Embassy in Nigeria issued a warning to its citizens advising them to stay away from big crowds and rallies before, during, and after the elections scheduled to begin on February 25.
The embassy warned its nationals to stay away from gatherings because “they can become violent with little or no notice” in a security update posted on its website.
The security alert, headlined “Security Alert – Potential Protests Leading to Elections and Limited Moves on Election Days,” also advised Americans to keep three days’ worth of food and water on hand in case the restriction on movement extends past the actual voting days.
“National elections in Nigeria will take place on February 25, 2023, while governorship elections will take place on March 11, 2023. During election days throughout Nigeria, the government will impose restrictions on the use of all personal automobiles.
Only law enforcement officers and election monitors accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be permitted to walk freely on the roadways, according to information from the Nigerian government.
The statement reads.
We predict personal cars will be prohibited from any and all attempted road travel from 00:00 to 18:00 on February 25 and 00:00 to 18:00 on March 11 based on historical election behavior.
Please be aware that the limits on movement may be changed at any time. Keep an eye out for information about restrictions from the Nigerian government.
Before and after elections, rallies and protests are frequent. Americans should stay away from any of these events because they can quickly devolve into violence.
“Actions to take: Have three days’ worth of food and water in your home in case movement restrictions are extended past election day, have a pre-packed bag with your travel documents, medications, toiletries, cash, and clothes in case you need to relocate from your home, avoid large crowds, be aware of your surroundings, keep a low profile, and carry proper identification,” the statement advised.
