By JKNewsMedia
THE UNITED States government has urged its citizens to reconsider travelling to Nigeria, citing widespread security threats, poor healthcare infrastructure, and an uptick in criminal activity including kidnapping and terrorism.
A travel advisory published on July 15 by the Department of State highlighted that all regions of Nigeria currently carry significant security risks.
The advisory, released through the official website of the US Mission in Nigeria, listed 18 states as particularly dangerous, advising American citizens to avoid them entirely.
Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and Northern Adamawa were flagged for high risks of terrorism and kidnapping. States including Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara were marked as kidnapping hotspots. In the south, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) were identified for criminal activity, the presence of armed gangs, and kidnapping threats.
The advisory painted a grim portrait of safety conditions across the country. It warned that violent crime is rampant, listing armed robbery, assault, carjacking, roadside banditry, hostage-taking, and rape as common occurrences. Kidnappings for ransom were said to occur frequently, especially targeting dual nationals and Americans perceived as wealthy.
Terrorist groups were reported to operate across Nigeria with growing coordination alongside local gangs. The advisory cautioned that attacks could strike public venues without warning—markets, schools, government buildings, religious centres, and transport hubs among them.
It also drew attention to civil unrest and the activities of armed gangs, especially in Southern Nigeria’s Niger Delta and Southeast regions. These areas were flagged for frequent clashes involving criminal groups and attacks on security forces, as well as violence stemming from farmer-herder tensions in rural communities.
Aside from security, the US also raised alarm over Nigeria’s healthcare deficiencies. Medical facilities were described as being far below American or European standards. The advisory warned travellers not to expect access to essential medications and noted that many drugs, including those for diabetes and asthma, may not be readily available. It also cited the prevalence of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and unreliable blood supplies.
Americans planning essential visits to Nigeria were urged to bring a full supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications and ensure all vaccinations are up to date—specifically yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, cholera, and polio. Preventive malaria treatment was also strongly recommended.
The report further stressed that emergency services such as ambulances are generally not dependable, often lacking trained personnel and adequate equipment. US citizens were advised to secure comprehensive traveller’s insurance, including cover for medical evacuation, before embarking on any trip to Nigeria.
Due to persistent security concerns, the Department of State noted that US government personnel face restrictions and may be unable to provide emergency assistance to citizens in many areas of the country.
