The United States embassy in Nigeria has advised its citizens in the country to avoid large crowds and protests during and after the forthcoming elections.
In a security update on its website, the embassy advised its citizens to avoid rallies as “they can turn violent with little or no notice”.
The update, titled: “Security Alert – Possible Protests Leading to Elections and Restricted Movements on Election Days”, also advised US citizens to have three days of food and water at home in case movement restrictions are extended beyond election days.
The update further reads: “Based on past election practice, we anticipate personal vehicles will be blocked from any, and all, attempted road movement from 00:00 until 18:00 February 25 and 00:00 until 18:00 March 11. Please be advised that movement restrictions may be extended at any time. Be alert to the Nigerian Government information about the restrictions.
“Rallies and demonstrations are commonplace before and after elections. U.S. citizens should avoid any of these types of events, as they can turn violent with little or no notice.
