U.S. Warns Citizens to Avoid Nigeria Over Kidnapping, Terrorism, and Healthcare Crisis

By: Manoah kikekon 

Donald Trump 

The U.S. government has issued a stark travel advisory urging American citizens to reconsider trips to Nigeria, citing severe security threats, rampant kidnapping, terrorism, and inadequate healthcare services. 

The warning highlights Nigeria as a high-risk destination, placing it among the most dangerous countries for travelers. With crime rates soaring and medical facilities falling short of international standards, the advisory paints a grim picture for visitors.  

 

Alongside Nigeria, the U.S. flagged 11 other African nations including Somalia, Libya, and South Sudan as extreme-risk zones due to terrorism, armed conflict, and violent crime. The advisory categorizes travel risks into four levels, with Nigeria landing in the "Reconsider Travel" tier (Level 3), while 18 of its states are marked as "Do Not Travel" (Level 4). The warning underscores the unpredictability of attacks and kidnappings, urging extreme caution.  

The advisory reveals that kidnappings for ransom are rampant, with U.S. citizens and dual nationals often targeted as prime victims. Armed gangs frequently ambush travelers on highways, while terrorists strike public spaces like markets, hotels, and worship centers without warning.

States like Borno, Yobe, and Kaduna face heightened risks due to extremist groups like Boko Haram and bandit militias. Even southern regions, including Delta and Rivers states, grapple with armed gangs and violent crime.  

Medical facilities in Nigeria fall far below U.S. and European standards, with shortages of essential medications and unreliable emergency services. The U.S. Mission warns that hospitals often demand upfront cash payments and lack proper blood supplies or trained paramedics.

Travelers are advised to bring their own prescription drugs, secure comprehensive medical evacuation insurance, and get vaccinated against diseases like yellow fever, cholera, and malaria before entering Nigeria.  

**Avoid These 18 High-Risk States**  

The U.S. explicitly warns against travel to 18 Nigerian states, including, North, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa (terrorism/kidnapping). Northwest, Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina (bandit attacks). Southeast, Imo, Anambra, Enugu (armed gangs). South-South, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers (kidnapping/crime) Violence between herders and farmers further escalates risks in rural areas, making travel perilous.  

Americans still choosing to visit Nigeria should, Avoid nighttime travel and isolated roads.  Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for emergency alerts. Carry emergency cash and medical supplies. Stay vigilant in crowded areas prone to terrorist attacks.  

With no reliable ambulance services and rising crime, the U.S. stresses that "caution is non-negotiable."