WASHINGTON, USA — The United States government has issued a heightened travel warning for Nigeria, advising its citizens to avoid travel to 18 Nigerian states due to escalating threats of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and unreliable healthcare infrastructure.
In a statement released by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria and published on the State Department’s website, Americans were urged to “reconsider travel to Nigeria,” citing a broad range of security and health risks.
“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. Read the entire Travel Advisory,” the advisory stated.
The U.S. Department of State classified 18 states under Level 4 — the highest level of travel warning — meaning U.S. citizens are strongly advised not to travel to these areas under any circumstance.
States Listed in Level 4 Advisory
Due to terrorism and kidnapping:
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Borno
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Yobe
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Kogi
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Northern Adamawa
Due to kidnapping:
5. Bauchi
6. Gombe
7. Kaduna
8. Kano
9. Katsina
10. Sokoto
11. Zamfara
Due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs:
12. Abia
13. Anambra
14. Bayelsa
15. Delta
16. Enugu
17. Imo
18. Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt)
The advisory also raised concerns over Nigeria’s healthcare system, warning travellers not to expect the same standard of care available in the U.S.
“U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care to be available in Nigeria as they do in the United States,” the advisory said. It cited a lack of essential medications, unreliable emergency services, and the prevalence of counterfeit pharmaceuticals as serious risks.
Travellers were urged to carry adequate supplies of all necessary medicines, update all vaccinations before travel, and purchase comprehensive medical evacuation insurance. The advisory also recommended preparing emergency contingency plans in case of health or security incidents.
