The Embassies of the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Canada on Wednesday advised their citizens not to travel to Nigeria for fear of insecurity.

The fresh warnings came on the heels of the deployment of troops in northern Mali.

The countries fear attacks on Nigeria by Islamic terrorists, who are supporting the course of for the Malian rebels.

The Canadian embassy on its website described the country’s situation unpredictable, saying there was a high risk of terrorism, crime, inter- communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings.

“Increased threat of attacks and kidnappings Military clashes are occurring in Mali between armed rebels and government forces. Since January 11, 2013, the French military has been assisting the Malian government in efforts to repel these rebels.

“Terrorist groups in the region have declared their intention to increase attacks and kidnappings, targeting Westerners. Citizens of countries supporting the military intervention are at particular risk, but all travellers should exercise increased vigilance in the region.

“There is a high threat of domestic terrorism in the northern states of Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Kano and Kaduna, where the extremist group, Boko Haram, which often claims responsibility for terrorist attacks, is based.

“Boko Haram-related attacks have resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries. A state of emergency is in effect in some areas of Borno and Yobe states.

“There is a risk of foreign nationals being kidnapped in some northern states of Nigeria.”

The UK, on its website which was updated on January 13, 2013, and marked, “Still current” on 23 January, 2013, said, “We advise against all travel to: Borno State, Yobe State, Riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. Warri city, Kano city.

“We advise against ALL BUT ESSENTIAL travel to: Bauchi State, Jos city, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas in Plateau State, Gombe State, Mubi Town in Adamawa State and the area north of Mubi Town that borders Borno State.

“Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states; Abia State, Kaduna City and Zaria City.

“There is a high threat from terrorism in Nigeria. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including government, security and educational institutions, international organisations as well as public venues and areas such as restaurants, bars, markets, hotels, shopping centres, places of worship and other areas frequented by expatriates, foreign tourists and business travellers.

“A number of attacks have taken place around religious and public holidays. There have been regular attacks on churches in northern Nigeria at times of worship. We cannot therefore rule out further attacks taking place. You should be particularly vigilant at these times and in these locations. You should avoid affected areas in the immediate aftermath of an attack.”

“Following French military intervention in Mali, there is a possibility of retaliatory attacks targeting Western interests in the region. We advise vigilance.”

The US Mission on its website, “The U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria encourages US citizens in Nigeria to remain vigilant in light of recent events in Mali and the potential for retaliatory actions towards westerners in the region.”

“There is currently no specific information on threats against US citizens in Nigeria. It is prudent to be aware of events occurring in other countries of the region.

“As a precaution, US citizens in Nigeria should exercise caution when in public areas, particularly areas frequented by westerners such as: hotels, nightclubs, and various forms of public transportation including ferries.”

It asked citizens to “stay tuned to media reports, be aware of your surroundings, and report suspicious activity or unattended packages to the police. As always, avoid demonstrations should you come upon them.”

Germany said, “Due to the military operation in Mali, also Germans in Nigeria have to act on the assumption of an increasing endangerment. Please take note of the updated travel advice of the German Foreign Office.”

The Executive Director, African Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, David Ugolor, has criticized President Goodluck Jonathan for his silence over the murder of Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, the late Private Secretary to Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole.

The Benin-based advocate in an interview with Premium Times, said Jonathan was yet to demand the report of the high-powered panel he ordered the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to institute after the murder incident.

Oyerinde, a former assistant General Secretary of the Nigerian Labour Congress was killed at his residence on May 4, 2012.

The ANEEJ boss said the president’s stand on the matter was one of the reasons the people do not trust him as a leader. “If he wants to be taken seriously by Nigerians, he should call for the report of investigation into the killing of Olaitan Oyerinde.”

Ugolor who was arrested by the police on July 21 after they claimed he sponsored the killing, said he was kept in prison custody with “hardened criminals” for 41 days, till the court freed him after declaring his arrest and detention illegal. He was awarded N5 million compensation, which the police have since appealed.

He noted that the police boss seven months down the line, has refused to make the panel’s findings public, defying the president’s directive who wanted the report submitted three weeks after the inauguration of the investigating team.

“Since my release from detention, I have sent several pleas to the President for his intervention. The police tried to frame me up, but they failed.”

“It is clear the IGP had lied. Since I was granted bail, I have been pleading with the President for intervention. The IGP cannot be a judge in his own case. We sent petitions to the National Assembly, which was read on the floor.

Ugolor added that “When I was granted bail by the court after 41 days in prison, the IGP of police disobeyed the court order. That shows that there was a superior power behind the IGP. He could not have acted on his own. Oshiomhole has cried to the President without any concrete response.

“I challenge the IGP to publish the police the report. If the report indicts the IG, I hope he would be courageous enough to resign honourably? I want to appeal to Mr. President. It is not David Ugolor or Olaitan Oyerinde that is on trial, but Nigeria.”

“What kind of transformation are we talking about that would make an IGP to tell the people lie over the killing of a citizen? President Jonathan ordered the IGP to institute a high powered investigation into the killing and report back within three weeks. Till today has he asked the IGP about the report?” the human rights activist lamented.

“If the president cannot order the IGP to reconcile its report with that of the State Security Service, SSS, what transformation are we talking about? When you have a president who is busy setting up different committees and the reports are not coming out, he is cultivating the perception of no trust around him. Jonathan has the responsibility to behave in a way that Nigerians would take him serious,” he said.