The United States government has issued a renewed travel advisory urging its citizens to reconsider plans to visit Nigeria, citing rising insecurity, terrorism, kidnapping, and inadequate healthcare services across the country.
The advisory, published by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, categorizes Nigeria as a “Level 3” risk destination — the second-highest threat level — and warns that “all locations carry significant security risks.”
According to the statement, violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, carjackings, and assaults are widespread. Dual nationals and wealthy individuals, especially Americans, are frequent targets of kidnapping gangs, including those operating on major highways.
“Terrorists continue plotting attacks and may strike with little or no warning,” the advisory noted, highlighting potential targets such as shopping malls, religious centers, government buildings, restaurants, schools, and transport hubs. It also warned of collaboration between terrorist groups and local armed gangs to expand their reach.
The U.S. government specifically identified 18 Nigerian states that pose heightened security risks and advised Americans to avoid travel to those areas. These include:
Due to terrorism and kidnapping: Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa
Due to kidnapping: Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara
Due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs: Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt)
Beyond security concerns, the U.S. highlighted Nigeria’s poor healthcare system as a critical factor. It warned that medical facilities fall below U.S. and European standards, with limited availability of essential medications and unreliable emergency services.
“Many hospitals require upfront cash payments, and most do not accept U.S. health insurance,” the statement added. It urged travelers to bring sufficient medication for their stay and to obtain travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage.
The advisory also cautioned against counterfeit pharmaceuticals and emphasized the need for travelers to take malaria prophylaxis and update vaccinations for diseases including yellow fever, hepatitis, cholera, and polio.
The warning comes amid ongoing concerns over national security, frequent abductions, and inadequate public infrastructure, reinforcing the perception of Nigeria as one of Africa’s most challenging destinations for foreign nationals.
