Nigeria: French president visits Abuja and Lagos July 3-4

Event

Additional security forces are expected to be deployed in Abuja and Lagos in anticipation of visits by French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, July 3, and Wednesday, July 4. Particularly increased security measures are likely in areas where Macron is scheduled to visit, such as the National Assembly building in Abuja, the Tony Elumelu Foundation building in Lagos, and the Shrine night club in Lagos. 

Advice

Individuals present in Nigeria are advised to follow any instructions issued by local authorities and anticipate increased travel times due to the enhanced security measures.

On a more general note, the security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). It is also advisable to avoid nonessential travel to Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, and Kaduna states. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.