The United States government has issued a fresh travel advisory warning American citizens to seriously reconsider any plans to travel to Nigeria. This caution stems from widespread security threats, including kidnapping, terrorism, and armed violence, as well as the country’s inadequate healthcare system. Released as part of a broader assessment of global security risks, the advisory aims to guide U.S. travelers in making informed decisions about visiting high-risk destinations across Africa.

Comprehensive Alert for Multiple African Countries

Alongside Nigeria, the advisory also raised concerns about 11 other African nations. These include Somalia, Libya, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Chad. Each of these countries was assessed based on the level of safety concerns and their potential impact on American travelers.

The U.S. State Department classifies travel advisories into four levels of risk:

• Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

• Level 2: Exercise increased caution

• Level 3: Reconsider travel

• Level 4: Do not travel

While Nigeria has not been designated at the highest Level 4 category for the entire country, significant portions of the nation have been flagged as extremely dangerous and placed under Level 4, advising Americans to avoid those areas entirely.

U.S. Mission in Nigeria Issues Specific Warnings

In a statement posted on the official website of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, American citizens were strongly urged to reconsider traveling to Nigeria altogether. The advisory emphasized that security threats are not limited to isolated regions but are present throughout the country. The statement noted that, “Every part of Nigeria presents significant security risks to travelers.”

While the advisory does not completely prohibit travel, it specifically highlights 18 states that are considered especially hazardous and advises U.S. citizens to stay away from them due to a combination of terrorism, kidnapping, gang violence, and civil unrest.

States Identified as High-Risk Zones

According to the U.S. advisory, the following states are deemed most dangerous:

• Terrorism and Kidnapping: Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa

• Frequent Kidnappings: Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara

• Widespread Crime and Gang Activity: Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt)

These regions are considered hotbeds of violent activity, making them particularly unsafe for foreign visitors. The advisory explains that armed criminal gangs operate frequently in these areas, targeting both locals and foreigners.

Details of Security Threats in Nigeria

The travel alert lists several ongoing threats contributing to the dangerous environment in Nigeria:

• Violent Crime: Common crimes in Nigeria include armed robbery, carjacking, assault, kidnapping for ransom, roadside banditry, and rape. These crimes are not limited to specific areas and occur across both urban and rural regions.

• Targeted Kidnappings: Dual nationals and American citizens perceived as wealthy are frequently targeted. Many incidents happen on highways where gangs ambush travelers.

• Terrorism Threat: Terrorist groups continue to plan and carry out attacks in Nigeria. These attacks may happen without warning and often target crowded public places such as shopping malls, markets, hotels, schools, transportation hubs, religious centers, restaurants, and government buildings.

• Collaboration Between Terrorists and Gangs: The advisory warns that terrorist groups have been increasingly working with local gangs, thereby expanding their reach and influence across Nigeria.

• Civil Unrest: Violent clashes between armed groups and security forces occur regularly. In southern Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta and Southeast regions, unrest and gang activity are widespread, leading to kidnappings and assaults on law enforcement.

• Communal Violence: In rural areas, ongoing tensions between farmers and herders often escalate into violent confrontations.

Healthcare System Lacks Capacity to Handle Emergencies

Beyond security concerns, the U.S. government emphasized Nigeria’s poor healthcare infrastructure as a major risk for American visitors. The advisory states that medical services in Nigeria fall far below U.S. or European standards. In many areas, even basic medications like those for asthma or diabetes may be unavailable. Consequently, travelers are advised to bring a sufficient supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications for their entire stay.

Additionally, the advisory cautions that:

• Most hospitals require immediate cash payments for treatment.

• U.S. health insurance is not accepted in Nigerian medical facilities.

• Emergency response services are nearly non-existent or unreliable.

• Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are commonly found in circulation.

Health and Vaccination Guidelines for Travelers

The advisory also outlines crucial health precautions for those still choosing to travel:

• Travelers should take anti-malaria medications and use repellents to guard against mosquito bites.

• All standard vaccinations should be up to date. These include yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, meningitis, hepatitis A and B, and polio.

• The advisory strongly recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency medical evacuation coverage, before embarking on any trip to Nigeria.

Final Word from the U.S. Government

Concluding its advisory, the U.S. government reiterated that all travelers must weigh the risks carefully before visiting Nigeria. The combination of escalating violence, unpredictable civil unrest, terrorism, and inadequate healthcare facilities creates an environment where American citizens could be exposed to grave danger. The advisory serves not only as a warning but also as a call for heightened awareness, preparation, and caution.

While Nigeria remains a key partner for the United States in various economic and diplomatic sectors, the country’s ongoing security challenges continue to raise serious concerns for international travel. Until significant improvements are made, the U.S. strongly urges its citizens to avoid high-risk regions and stay informed through official updates.