FEMI OSINUSI, Associate Editor - 28.08.2006

Other countries on the ranking by the US government are Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, East Timor, Eritrea, Haiti.

The remaining countries on the list are Israel, Cote D’Ivoire Coast, Kenya, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Uzbekistan, Yemen and Zimbabwe.

The US government has, therefore, asked its citizens to avoid travelling to these countries, describing them as volatile spots in the world.

According to the report, the warning on Nigeria was being issued over what it called the deteriorating security situation in the country, reflecting in the number of kidnappings occurring in the area and the alleged killing of hostages in the land.

“The Department of State continues to warn US citizens of the dangers of travel to Nigeria. The lack of law and order in Nigeria poses considerable risks to travellers. Violent crimes committed by ordinary criminals, as well as by persons in police and military uniforms, can occur throughout the country and tend to peak between November and January,” the statement by the department said.

According to the report, the security situation in the Niger Delta had deteriorated significantly. “Travel to the region remains very dangerous and should be avoided,” the statement further added.

The statement also said apart from the Niger Delta area, crimes had continued to take place in Lagos, Abuja and other parts of the country.

“Crime in Lagos and Abuja is an ongoing problem. Some expatriates have been robbed in the outlying Lagos suburb of Lekki and in Abuja, the Maitama area has seen a series of home invasions. In a working class section of Lagos Mainland, an October 25, 2005 clash between police and residents left several dead.

“Even Victoria Island and Ikoyi, which are generally safer than other parts of Lagos, have experienced attempted bank robberies and have seen an increase in smash-and-grab car robberies, including some involving some expatriates,” the statement added.

The statement, therefore, advised American citizens travelling to Nigeria and the other 28 countries listed to register through the State Department travel registration website or register directly with the nearest US embassy or consulate.