Elections: US Embassy Warns Nigerian Citizens About Potential Protests

The Embassy further encouraged Americans living in Nigeria to stockpile three days’ worth of food and water in case travel restrictions persisted after election day.

The Nigerian Embassy of the United States has warned its citizens of potential demonstrations and limited travel on February 25 and March 11.

The Embassy warned its citizens to stay away from gatherings because “they can turn violent with little or no notice” in a notice posted on its website.

The Embassy further encouraged Americans living in Nigeria to stockpile three days’ worth of food and water in case travel restrictions persisted after election day.

Security Alert – Potential Protests Leading Up to Elections and Limited Mobility on Election Days was the heading of the alert.

On election days around the nation, the Nigerian government will limit the use of all personal automobiles, it stated in part. Only law enforcement officers and election observers who have been accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be permitted to walk freely on the highways, according to information from the Nigerian government.

We predict personal cars will be prohibited from any and all attempted road travel from 00:00 to 18:00 on February 25 and 00:00 to 18:00 on March 11 based on historical election behavior.

“Please be aware that the limits on movement may be changed at any time. Keep an eye out for information about restrictions from the Nigerian government.

Nigerian states had protests last week due to a shortage of new naira notes and gasoline. Nigerians who are angry because their money is stuck in the banking system have vandalized banks and automated teller machines (ATMs).

Last Thursday, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari banned the use of the country’s old N500 and N1,000 notes and extended their usability until April 10, 2023. However, at least 10 governors have petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn the President’s decision in the case that will be heard on February 22.