Nigeria: Heightened security likely in parts of Lagos State during presidential visit Jan. 23-24

Event

Heightened security is likely in parts of Lagos State Jan. 23-24 amid a two-day visit by President Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari is scheduled to arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) Jan. 23 and commission several projects in the state during his trip. Authorities will likely deploy an increased security presence to LOS and each location that Buhari visits, including the following:

• Jan. 23: Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lekki; Eleko Junction on the Lekki-Epe Expressway; Lagos Rice Mill in Imota

• Jan. 24: MRS Lubricant factory in Apapa, Lagos; John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan, Lagos; Lagos Blue Line Rail Project in Marina, Lagos

Officials will notably impose traffic restrictions on Adetokunbo Ademola Street on Victoria Island 06:00-15:00 Jan. 24; authorities have advised motorists who will be impacted by these restrictions to use the Falomo Bridge route to access Victoria Island. Authorities will also likely impose other restrictions on vehicular and pedestrian movement around LOS and all locations that Buhari visits. In addition to movement restrictions, security measures near the event locations may include thorough identity and vehicle checks.

Spontaneous anti-government protests from opposition or civil society groups cannot be ruled out. Security personnel will likely move swiftly and decisively to quell any such demonstrations.

Advice

Exercise caution around event locations in Lagos State Jan. 23-24. Plan for localized transport disruptions, including near LOS. Keep away from any location where security forces appear to be deploying. Avoid any protests that materialize. Abide by all official directives.