UK Govt Warns Citizens To Avoid 25 States, ATMs

The United Kingdom, UK government has advised her citizens to stay away from Automated Teller Machines, ATMs across Nigeria.

The Rishi Sunak-led government has also issued an advisory to British nationals living in the country to avoid traveling to 25 states for security reasons, saying criminal activities are now prevalent in such states.

The advisory was issued in response to the violence that broke out in some parts of the country due to the prevailing naira crisis, caused by the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to demonetize old naira notes of N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes.

Violence has broken out in Edo, Delta, Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, and Lagos states in recent days as the shortage of new naira notes persists with citizens finding it difficult to withdraw cash from the banks.

President Muhammadu Buhari while addressing the nation early Thursday morning, said the government took the decision to illegalize the old naira notes in order to fight corruption.

Not a few insist that the president has shattered the hopes of many Nigerians with his speech and that more violence is likely to break out as his speech has simply not addressed the situation.

The UK government, therefore, warned her citizens to take security issues seriously, including avoiding ATMs as the naira crisis is likely to spark violence in some places across the country.

The advisory said, “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed the redesign and issue of new N200, N500 and N1’000 Naira notes. This has led to shortages of cash, which are likely to persist for a period.

“You are encouraged to check notes provided by currency exchange vendors will be valid for the duration of your travel to Nigeria, and to follow local CBN guidelines.

“Areas such as banks and ATMs have seen a spike in criminal activity, and as such, it is advised that you take extra precautions particularly when withdrawing cash in crowded spaces, and during night time hours.

“There have been outbreaks of violence in southwest Nigeria as a result of cash shortages, and there is a risk of other urban areas being impacted across the country. We advise travellers in Nigeria to exercise their judgement, including being aware of any large crowds or potential disturbances.”

It further warned that terrorists attack are likely in states such as Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara, urging nationals to stay away from such states.

Other states to be avoided include Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states.

The UK government also advised citizens against traveling to Kano, Sokoto, Kogi, Bauchi, Jigawa, Niger, and within 20km of the border with Niger in Kebbi State, Abia State, non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States, as well as Plateau State and Taraba State

“Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Nigeria’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider. On 15 February, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control announced the online Nigeria Health Declaration Form for incoming travelers. This is a requirement for all travelers to complete before travel to Nigeria,” the UK government said.