The United States government has issued a travel warning, advising its citizens against visiting Nigeria due to the country’s deteriorating security situation.
Concerns highlighted include poor healthcare services, rising cases of kidnapping, terrorism, and the activities of armed gangs.
The advisory, released as part of the US government’s routine security review, is intended to guide travellers planning to visit Africa, with several nations marked as high-risk destinations.
In addition to Nigeria, eleven other African countries were flagged in the advisory: Somalia, Libya, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Chad.
The advisory categorised countries into four levels, with Level Four “Do Not Travel” being the most severe, and Level Three “Reconsider Travel” indicating serious risk.
The US, in a statement by its Mission in Nigeria posted on its website, stated that all locations carry a significant security risk.
While citizens may still travel to Nigeria, the government, however, designated 18 states as the most severe and advised its citizens to avoid those states completely.
The advisory specifically urged US citizens to steer clear of several Nigerian states due to varying security threats. It warned against travel to Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states, citing the risks of terrorism and kidnapping.
Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states were flagged over concerns about widespread kidnapping.
Meanwhile, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states were listed as high-risk due to criminal activity, kidnapping, and the presence of armed gangs.
“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,” the statement partly read.
