Expats and visitors to Nigeria are urged to avoid public places after a spate of terrorist bombings.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) is warning travellers of an increased threat from terror group Boko Haram across major cities.
The latest attacks were in Kano and Kaduna around lunchtime on successive days this week.
In the past few weeks, says the FCO, other explosions suspected to be the work of Hoko Baram have occurred in Damaturu, Kano, Jos, Kaduna, Abuja and Lagos.
The attacks have led to several deaths and injuries.
The FCO fears the forthcoming Eid festival and end of Ramadan will trigger more bombings.
“The end of the religious festival often sparks violence and terrorist incidence,” said an FCO spokesman.
“Visitors should avoid religious gatherings, markets, public squares and transport hubs like bus and rail stations.
“A good indicator of high risk is a heavy police or military presence on the streets in a neighbourhood.”
Until recently, Boko Haram attacks were confined to Nigeria’s northern provinces, where terrorists and the military often clash in violent skirmishes.
“Recently, the trend has been attacks in other provinces,” said the spokesman. “Significant terror activity is reported and attacks can happen anywhere without warning.”
Wildcat protests
Violent demonstrations in Uyuni, Bolivia, are disrupting travel in the area, says the FCO.
Road blocks can spring up without warning and are expected to increase in number as national elections approach in October 2014.
“These blockades are leading to problems on the roads and at airports,” said the spokesman. “Demonstrations, strikes and other protests can be sparked without warning, so we want expats and visitors to be careful.”
Random kidnappings are also a problem and the FCO is concerned that travellers accepting lifts from unlicensed transport firms are at risk.
Polio threat
Visitors to Cameroon should arrange a polio vaccination before travelling and make sure they have an inoculation certificate with them at all times, says the FCO.
All travellers departing the country also have to show evidence of inoculation following an outbreak of the disease in the country.
Flights disrupted
The ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza has led to major airlines cancelling flights at short notice due to Israeli air force striking at targets in Gaza and retaliatory missile launches into Israel.
This week, the US Federal Aviation Authority ordered all flights to Ben Gurion airport should be cancelled – although aircraft were only grounded for less than 48 hours.
Some European carriers also suspended flights, including EasyJet, Air France and Lufthansa.
The FCO suggest travellers should check flight information before departing for airports.
Latest information about worldwide travel for expats, business travellers and tourists
