Iran vs US: US Issues Travel Advisory On Nigeria

By Uche Mbah

The increasing tension between Iran and the United States is already having a ripple effect on Nigeria with the latter issuing travel advisory to its citizens in Nigeria, or intending to travel to Nigeria. Already the Inspector General of Police has ordered Security beef up in the country in view of the demonstrations that followed the murder of the Iranian General, Qassem Soleimani by the Shia group, under the aegis of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria. The group has called for “death to the United states”. Iran has already placed o $10 million to be given to anyone that will bring back the head of Donald trump, the US president, to the Iranian Supreme leader, Ayatollah Al Khamenei.

A statement posted on the certified site of the US consulate advised citizens to stay alert in public places and to review travel routes.

“Actions To Take: Be aware of your surroundings; Keep a low profile; Stay alert in public places, including schools, hospitals, government facilities, places of worship, tourist locations, and transportation hubs. “Review and alter travel routes and times to reduce time and place predictability; Avoid crowds and demonstrations; Exercise caution when walking or driving at night; Carry proper ID; Review your personal security plans; Monitor local media for updates; Review the Travel Advisory for Nigeria”, the advisory reads.

Nigeria thus joins the list of countries that the American government raised security concerns about. In the heat of the killings, US and Canada had insisted that their citizens should leave Iran, Iraq and their allies. Attempts by the Iranians to bomb the US Embassy in Tehran could not succeed.