SECURITY

General

This is one of the biggest concerns for anyone contemplating an assignment in Nigeria . Even though there is a high crime rate in Nigeria , there is, generally, no direct targeting of expatriate staff. While Shell staff have been the victims of crime, the reality is that such instances have dropped over the past few years and the vast majority of expatriates complete a four year assignment in Nigeria without ever being involved in any type of security incident.

It is true that inter-community clashes sometimes occur. These rarely affect expatriates directly but they can, from time to time, result in curfews and increased numbers of police roadblocks and an increased military presence. On the highways armed robbery can happen, mainly at night, so you have to be careful where and when you travel. Whenever one is in Nigeria the best defence against crime is awareness.

The current situation is that no expatriate personnel are allowed out of the camp without an armed escort.  You are met on arrival at Osubi airport and transferred by bus to the RA (Residential Area) where you remain until you depart Warri.  All employees working outside the main camp area are transported daily under escort to their place of work.   The main camp area which included the RA, IA and golf course are under constant surveillance. 

Each Shell Division has its own security organisation; Policemen guard all Company locations, including residential areas.

Warri

Residential Areas (RA’s)

It would be fair to say that Warri does experience “unrest” from time to time. This relates primarily to disruption by local communities who wish to draw attention to grievances, or political uncertainty on a national scale. The RA is a safe haven, with perimeter security manned by Supernumerary Shell Police (SPY), supported by Nigerian Mobile Police seconded to SPDC, and police dogs and handlers. Thus you should not be directly affected by any disturbances that arise apart from restrictions on mobility.

Gate and Camp Security

All household staff, drivers and contractors require a gate pass, obtainable from SECW. The boots of vehicles leaving the RA are checked regularly.

Traders and domestic staff will require a letter from you giving them permission to take anything you give them out of the camp. Non-residents will have to stop at the gate and ring you for clearance to enter.

Shell Police also patrol the camp and will check houses and grounds if they appear unattended, or they find a door open, and may call to check that you are aware of any situation they consider suspicious.

Warden System

In troubled time, one of the most important things is to know what is going on, so that everyone has the same factual information. To this end a warden system has been established to enable prompt dissemination of information.

The RA’s have been divided up into a number of areas (Wards). Each Ward has a volunteer warden who is responsible for relaying messages to the residents. The wardens themselves are briefed by the chief warden who attends meetings of the Emergency Security Crisis Committee, and thus the whole community can be quickly informed of developments.

Ogunu/Idugboe TV Information Channel

TV Channel run by volunteer updated regularly with information about the sporting and social activities and events, utility announcements and security issues.