Curfew imposed on Americans in Nigeria

J.J. Green, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has issued an emergency message informing all U.S. government personnel in the capital, Abuja, that they are restricted from going to places of worship and all commercial establishments adjacent to any place of worship from June 29 through July 1.

In addition, all U.S. government personnel have been ordered to return to their residences by midnight.

The embassy says the measures are being taken as a safety precaution because of recent extremist attacks on five churches in the states of Bauchi, Jos and Kaduna. Those attacks and others in Borno, Yobe and Kano resulted in scores of deaths. Also, an explosion outside a nightclub in Abuja on June 22 is a principle reason for the curfew. The restrictions will be reviewed on Monday, July 2.

The message from the mission says “the situation in the country remains fluid and unpredictable.” The U.S. Mission in Nigeria strongly urges U.S. citizens in Nigeria to consider their personal security and to keep personal safety in the forefront of their planning.

U.S. citizens traveling or living in Nigeria are urged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos for information.

Follow J.J. and WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up