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

 

U.S. Government Issues Fresh Travel Warning for Nigeria Over Escalating Security Risks

The United States government has updated its travel advisory for Nigeria, warning American citizens to reconsider plans to visit the country due to worsening security conditions, limited access to quality healthcare, and a growing threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crimes.

According to a statement released on the official website of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, the advisory categorizes Nigeria under Level 3: Reconsider Travel—the second-highest risk tier on the U.S. Department of State’s four-level global travel alert system. The rating urges travelers to weigh the risks before proceeding and to take heightened safety precautions.

The advisory is part of a broader regional assessment targeting travel to parts of Africa, with Nigeria listed among 12 high-risk countries where threats to foreign visitors have increased substantially.

“All areas of Nigeria carry a significant security risk,” the advisory noted, cautioning that while travel is not explicitly banned, Americans should exercise extreme vigilance, particularly in conflict-prone regions.

18 Nigerian States Marked as High-Risk Zones

The advisory identified 18 states across Nigeria that pose the greatest risk to U.S. nationals and recommended avoiding travel to these areas entirely due to elevated threats of violence, abduction, and terrorist activity. These include:

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

• Kidnapping: Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states

• Crime, Armed Gangs, and Kidnapping: Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt)

The advisory warned that violent crimes, including armed robbery, carjacking, rape, and assault, are widespread, with criminal groups often targeting individuals perceived to be wealthy, particularly dual nationals and U.S. citizens.

“Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently,” it stated. “Criminals often ambush travelers along interstate highways, making road travel especially dangerous.”

Terrorism, Armed Gangs, and Civil Unrest on the Rise

The U.S. government expressed concern over the persistent threat of terrorism, noting that extremist groups operating in Nigeria continue to plan and execute attacks. These attacks are often carried out with little to no warning and typically target public gathering spots such as:

• Shopping malls

• Markets

• Hotels

• Religious centers

• Restaurants and bars

• Government buildings

• Transportation hubs

• Schools and public events

The advisory also flagged rising civil unrest and armed gang activity in the South-South and South-East regions, particularly in the Niger Delta, where kidnappings and ambushes on security forces are reportedly common.

Health Infrastructure and Medical Access Concerns

Aside from security challenges, the advisory highlighted Nigeria’s inadequate healthcare system as a major risk factor. It warned that medical services are far below U.S. or European standards, and that essential medicines such as those for asthma and diabetes may be unavailable.

Key health-related warnings include:

• Limited access to prescription and over-the-counter medication

• High risk of malaria and counterfeit drugs

• Inadequate ambulance services and unreliable blood supply

• Cash payments expected upfront for most medical services

• Absence of effective emergency response systems

• Hospitals rarely accept U.S. health insurance

Visitors are advised to come fully prepared with necessary vaccinations—including yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, polio booster, and meningitis—and to bring all essential medications for the duration of their stay.

“We strongly recommend obtaining comprehensive travel and medical evacuation insurance before departing for Nigeria,” the advisory concluded.

What This Means for Travelers

This updated warning underscores the gravity of the situation in Nigeria and reflects increased international scrutiny over the country's security and healthcare infrastructure. Americans planning to visit Nigeria are advised to:

• Reconsider non-essential travel

• Stay updated on security developments

• Avoid high-risk states entirely

• Prepare for medical emergencies

• Maintain a low profile and secure accommodation

• Register with the U.S. Embassy for emergency alerts