The United States government has updated its travel advisory, urging American citizens to reconsider travelling to Nigeria due to serious concerns over terrorism, kidnapping, armed violence, and inadequate healthcare services.
The advisory, released as part of a broader security assessment across Africa, flagged Nigeria alongside 11 other high-risk African countries, including Somalia, Libya, and South Sudan.
In a statement published on its website, the US Mission in Nigeria warned that “all locations carry significant security risks,” even though some areas are more dangerous than others.
“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of health care services,” the statement read.
It continued, “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.
“There is a risk of terrorist violence in Nigeria. This includes terrorist attacks and other activities.
“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach.
“They may attack with little or no warning, including: shopping centres and malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants and bars, schools, government buildings, transportation hubs, and public places where crowds gather.”
The advisory highlighted heightened criminal activity in parts of southern Nigeria, especially the Niger Delta and the Southeast.
It cited common occurrences of armed assaults, attacks on security services, and ongoing unrest in rural areas due to clashes between farmers and herders.
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The US government designated 18 Nigerian states as particularly high-risk, advising its citizens to avoid them entirely. These include:
Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa (due to terrorism and kidnapping)
Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara (due to kidnapping)
Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) (due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs)
Beyond security, the advisory raised alarms about Nigeria’s healthcare system, noting that medical services are not up to US or European standards and that essential medications may be unavailable.
“Nigerian medical facilities are generally not equipped to U.S. or European standards. Many medicines are not available. This includes common medications for diabetes or asthma,” it stated.
It advised travellers to come fully prepared with all necessary medications and vaccinations, including yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, and a polio booster.
The statement added, “All visitors should take Malaria prophylaxis. Nigeria is at high risk for Malaria. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem.
“Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Most hospitals and doctors do not accept U.S. health insurance.”
It also warned that emergency services, including ambulances, are unreliable, often poorly equipped, and rarely have trained paramedics. Blood supply is described as inconsistent.
The US government concluded its warning with a strong recommendation: “We strongly recommend getting traveller’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before travelling.”