By John Umeh
The United States government has once again issued a strong travel advisory, warning its citizens to reconsider plans to visit Nigeria due to the country’s persistent challenges with kidnappings, terrorism, violent crime, and poor healthcare infrastructure.
The latest advisory, issued by the U.S. Department of State, highlights specific threats across various regions in Nigeria, urging Americans to exercise “extreme caution” and to “travel at your own risk.” The advisory categorizes several Nigerian states as “Level 4 – Do Not Travel,” particularly parts of the North-East, North-West, and South-East, where insurgency, banditry, and separatist violence remain widespread.
According to the State Department, criminal groups continue to operate with near impunity, targeting both locals and foreigners for ransom kidnappings, armed robbery, and carjacking. The advisory warns that abductions often occur in broad daylight, including on roads, at public gatherings, and even in high-end hotels.
In addition to security concerns, the U.S. also flagged Nigeria’s healthcare system as inadequate, noting that emergency medical services are unreliable, hospitals are often under-resourced, and access to quality care is limited—especially for foreign travelers. The advisory urges U.S. citizens with preexisting health conditions to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
“Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, and kidnapping – is common throughout Nigeria,” the advisory reads. “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting public spaces, transportation hubs, markets, hotels, places of worship, and government facilities.”
The U.S. embassy in Abuja and consulate in Lagos have also issued parallel alerts, providing resources for American citizens currently in Nigeria, including emergency contact information, evacuation procedures, and steps to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
States Under “Do Not Travel” Alert:
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Borno, Yobe, Adamawa – due to terrorism
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Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina – due to banditry and kidnappings
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Imo, Anambra, Abia – due to civil unrest and armed group activity
While many Americans continue to do business or engage in humanitarian work in Nigeria, the U.S. government has stressed the importance of staying informed, maintaining personal security measures, and being prepared for emergencies.
This advisory comes amid rising global concern over insecurity across West Africa and reflects ongoing geopolitical pressure on governments to address the underlying issues of corruption, under-policing, and the collapse of public health systems.
Travelers are strongly encouraged to review the full advisory on the U.S. State Department website before making any travel plans involving Nigeria.
