The British Government has warned its nationals against all travel to the Delta States and, indeed, advises them to leave:
FCO Advice to British Nationals
Terrorism/Security
We advise against all travel to the Delta States (Delta, Bayelsa and River States, including Port Harcourt) and advise British nationals in these States to leave. We also advise against all travel to riverine areas of Cross River State (i.e. the river and swamp locations on or close to the coast accessible by boat, but not by road). We advise British nationals in these areas to leave. We also advise against all but essential travel to Akwa Ibom State. This is because of the very high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas. Since January 2006, 36 British nationals (including one child) and more than 180 other foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta area, with one British national being killed.
On 10 July, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) announced that it would end its ceasefire from midnight on 12 July 2008, and threatened to attack British interests in Nigeria. We believe that armed groups may be planning further attacks on oil and gas industry targets in the Delta, and on other non-oil and gas industry targets and individuals throughout the country. The high risk of further kidnappings by armed militants around the oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta also applies to ships and oil rigs at sea off the coast of the Niger Delta. Since 2007 there has been an increase in attacks offshore. On 19 June, an oil production platform 120km offshore was attacked, and a US citizen abducted from a nearby support vessel. On 21 October 2007, in a violent armed attack on an offshore support vessel, three expatriates were abducted. On 27 September 2007, an oil company compound outside Port Harcourt was attacked. One Colombian oil worker was killed and two other expatriates kidnapped.
If you decide to travel to or remain in these areas it would be reckless to do so unless and until you have taken full, appropriate professional security advice and have acted on it. You must be vigilant at all times and make sure that your local host and family know your travel plans and timings. You should register with the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos on arrival. Limit your movements to only essential journeys. Vary your routines. If travelling by road you should only travel in fully protected transport. Keep your car doors locked and windows closed and maintain telephone or radio communications to report your movements. You should consider permanent armed protection, but be aware that even this cannot guarantee your safety. The government has heightened its security presence in Port Harcourt. Many companies have introduced strict restrictions on travel. If you are a resident British national, you should follow your employer’s local security guidelines. On 18 December 2006 two bombs exploded in Port Harcourt, one in a Shell residential compound and the other at Agip’s headquarters. Further attacks are possible. As a result Shell have evacuated all dependants from the residential compound in Port Harcourt. Other companies have followed suit.
You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.
On 1 January 2008 there were nineteen reported fatalities in Port Harcourt when armed militants attacked two police stations and a hotel. The Presidential Hotel in the commercial centre of Port Harcourt is popular with expatriates.
On 30 December 2007, the Nigerian authorities lifted the curfew in Rivers State, but the curfew (1800-0600) in Okrika Local Government Area remains in place. You should avoid going to public places in Port Harcourt frequented by expatriates, including bars and restaurants. If you encounter a threatening or intimidating situation do not try to make your way through it, turn around and go home. On 10 August 2007, a British national was abducted from his car when driving to work in Port Harcourt.
We have received reports of an attempt to try to lure an expatriate to a meeting at a remote location near Port Harcourt. It is believed that this was an attempted kidnap. When arranging meetings in Nigeria you should ensure that the contact is known to you, and that the meeting is held at a secure location.
Due to the regular increases in the level of violence in Port Harcourt, the High Commission Liaison Office, British Council and VFS Office are subject to closure at short notice. Closure and reopening of the offices will be reflected in this travel advice.
There is also a risk of politically or financially motivated kidnapping throughout south eastern Nigeria. On 17 March 2007 two Chinese workers were abducted at Nnewi, Anambra State. A British national was one of two foreign nationals abducted from a vessel in a riverine area of Cross River State on 8 July.
There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
As was proven by the kidnapping of the 2 German nationals from Julius Berger travelling in an armed convoy, the terrorists in the Niger Delta have the ability to strike almost at will, despite the presence of paramilitary protection. The Nigerian armed forces and police are almost powerless against these people, are renowned for running away and, indeed, are suspected of collusion with militants. Personal security is not something to be taken lightly at the moment and if your company is not providing the level of security you require at your workplace, housing or en route to work, you should make sure they start to fulfil their duty of care to you.
Both Bristow and CHC have delayed announcements of pay reviews in recent weeks. They are playing with reasonable compensation for the danger to which personnel are exposed, so make sure they're not playing with adequate security for you as well.
