Nigerian state reacts to U.S. travel warning

JUNE 12 - The United States has issued a travel advisory warning its citizens to avoid parts of Nigeria, including the Niger Delta, which has seen much violence and many kidnappings over recent years by militant groups.
Authorities in Rivers State have responded to the travel advisory by sharply increasing security, with governor meeting for several hours with the police commissioner and top military leaders from the army, navy and air force.
Armed police and soldiers were seen guarding strategic areas of the state such as government buildings and border approaches to the state.
A special team is also guarding the creeks where many militant groups are based.
COMMENT: The security measures are a direct response to the U.S. travel advisory, but this is only the beginning, as the political season ratchets up in the coming months.
Many militants who took advantage of a government amnesty program and laid up their arms are being recruited by politicians to be used simply as thugs to disrupt the polls due early next year. Security chiefs also fear the possible kidnapping of candidates being ordered by opponents.
President Goodluck Jonathan has pledged that the elections will be free and fair and accepted internationally. Officials say the increased security measures could be in place for years.