For those still working in the Niger Delta of Nigeria and those still undecided about whether to go, here's what a number of governments advise their nationals. We all know that sometimes they're a bit out of touch and out of date, but it should make all of us remaining here aware that in the event of problems, consular assistance may be limited:
Australia - Advice:
Riverine area in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers (also Bonny Island), Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Anambra States in the south-east
Do not travel
Bakassi Peninsula and Ekiti State
Do not travel
New Zealand - Advice:
We advise against all travel to the Bakassi Peninsula as well as the riverine areas in Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa.
United Kingdom - Advice:
We advise against all travel to the riverine areas of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States. Riverine areas are generally regarded as being those accessible only by boat. This is because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas.
We advise against all but essential travel to Akwa Ibom State and the rest of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States, including
Port Harcourt, because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas. On 18 December 2006, two bombs exploded in Port Harcourt, one in a Shell residential compound and the other at Agip’s headquarters. On 23 January 2007 a British and a US national were taken hostage while driving to work in Port Harcourt.
There is a high risk of further kidnappings by armed militants around the oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta. In nine separate incidents since January 2006, 22 British nationals have kidnapped. One Briton has been killed. Since that time over 150 foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta area. See the Terrorism/Security section of this travel advice for more details.
If you decide to travel to, or remain in, these areas you do so at your own risk. The level of consular assistance we can provide in these areas is limited. If your presence is essential, it would be reckless to travel to, or remain in, these areas unless you have taken appropriate professional security advice and have acted on it.
Canada - Advice:
Against all travel into affected areas and for
Canadian nationals to consider leaving.
USA - Advice:
American citizens should depart from and defer non-essential travel to Delta, Bayesa, and Rivers states.
Italy - Advice:
All Italian nationals should leave the country.