*Amid security, health concerns
The United States government has issued a renewed travel advisory to its citizens, warning against travel to Nigeria due to heightened security risks, including terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
The advisory, released as part of the U.S. Department of State’s routine global security assessment, places Nigeria under a Level 3 warning, “Reconsider Travel,” citing a significant and growing threat to personal safety. Eighteen Nigerian states were highlighted as particularly dangerous, with a strong recommendation to avoid them entirely.
This cautionary guidance forms part of a broader advisory covering 11 other African nations flagged as high-risk destinations. These include Somalia, Libya, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Chad.
In a detailed statement published on the U.S. Mission in Nigeria’s website, American citizens were advised to exercise extreme caution in all parts of the country due to widespread criminal activity, ongoing insurgencies, civil unrest, and unreliable emergency services.
“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of healthcare services. Some areas have increased risk. Overall, all locations carry significant security risks,” the advisory stated.
The U.S. government specifically advised its citizens to avoid travel to the following states:
- Due to terrorism and kidnapping: Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa.
- Due to kidnapping: Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
- Due to crime, armed gangs, and kidnapping: Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt).
According to the advisory, violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, assault, rape, and kidnappings for ransom are common across Nigeria. U.S. citizens, especially those perceived to be affluent or holding dual citizenship, have been identified as primary targets. The document noted that some kidnappings have occurred during roadside travel and at hotels, markets, or worship centers.
“Terrorist groups continue to plan and execute attacks,” the statement warned. “Targets may include shopping centers, schools, transportation hubs, restaurants, places of worship, and government buildings.”
Beyond security threats, the advisory highlighted serious concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, warning travellers not to expect facilities or standards comparable to those in the United States or Europe. It noted that many essential medicines, including those used to treat chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma, are often unavailable. The risk of malaria remains high, with counterfeit pharmaceuticals also posing a major concern.
“Emergency services such as ambulances are unreliable, poorly equipped, and often lack trained personnel. Blood supplies and diagnostic tools may also be inadequate,” the advisory noted.
U.S. travelers are encouraged to:
- Bring sufficient over-the-counter and prescription medications to last their entire stay.
- Ensure their vaccinations are up to date, including for yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and B, and polio.
- Take anti-malarial medication and use mosquito prevention strategies.
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes provisions for medical evacuation.