Reconsider Travel To Nigeria Due To Crime, Terrorism, Inconsistent Health Care’ – US Warns Citizens

The United States government has issued a fresh travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting Nigeria, citing the deteriorating security situation, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and the increased threat of kidnapping, terrorism, and violent crimes.

FocalPoint Reports that the warning, published on the website of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, is part of a broader security review for travellers to Africa, with Nigeria and 11 other African nations flagged as high-risk zones under Washington’s updated global travel alert system.

According to the advisory, Nigeria has been placed under Level 3, which urges citizens to “reconsider travel.” The scale ranges from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel), the most severe designation.

“All areas of Nigeria carry a significant security risk,” the U.S. government warned, adding that while travel is not outright banned, American citizens should exercise extreme caution, especially in volatile regions.

The advisory specifically highlighted 18 states that pose the highest threat levels, with a strong caution for Americans to avoid travelling to these regions entirely.

Among others, it advised its citizens to avoid Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping; Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping; and Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (except Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.

The statement read, “Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some places in Nigeria have an increased risk. Overall, all locations carry significant security risks.

“Violent crime is common in the country. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape.

“Kidnappings for ransom happen often. They primarily target dual national citizens visiting Nigeria and U.S. citizens perceived as wealthy. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.

“There is a risk of terrorist violence in Nigeria. This includes terrorist attacks and other activities.

“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach. They may attack with little or no warning, including: shopping centres and malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants and bars, schools, government buildings, transportation hubs, and public places where crowds gather.

“Gangs and crime: Civil unrest and armed gangs are active in parts of Southern Nigeria. This is especially true in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed crime and gangs are common in the area. Crimes include kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services.

“Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.

“U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care to be available in Nigeria as they do in the United States. Nigerian medical facilities are generally not equipped to U.S. or European standards. Many medicines are not available. This includes common medications for diabetes or asthma.

“Bring enough over-the-counter and prescription medicines to last your entire stay in Nigeria. Update vaccinations to include all standard vaccinations, plus yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and a polio booster.

“All visitors should take Malaria prophylaxis. Nigeria is at high risk for Malaria. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem. Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Most hospitals and doctors do not accept U.S. health insurance.

“Emergency services like those in the United States or Europe do not exist.

“Blood supply is often unreliable. Ambulance services are unreliable, have poor equipment, and often do not have trained paramedics.

“We strongly recommend getting traveller’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before travelling.”