US evacuates nationals caught up in Nigeria lockdown

The US is evacuating its nationals from Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos and the capital, Abuja, after the two cities were were placed on a two-week lockdown in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The US embassy has tweeted that multiple emergency flights will leave the two cities this week.

Those to be moved will be contacted directly and the embassy has advised all American nationals in the country to stay put until they are contacted.

Meanwhile the US embassy in South Africa has told all American nationals in the country to register their details online.

The U.S. Consulate in Lagos has confirmed multiple emergency flights for this week departing from Lagos and Abuja. Please do not come to the airport until we have contacted you directly. Please shelter in place and await further information. #STEP pic.twitter.com/gABq6j6pgX

— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USEmbassyAbuja) March 30, 2020