United States Issues New Travel Advisory to Citizens in Nigeria over Insecurity
The United States government has issued a renewed travel advisory warning its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria, citing escalating security threats, widespread violent crimes, terrorism, and the poor state of healthcare services in the country.
In the advisory released by the U.S. Department of State and published on the website of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, the American government stated that all locations in Nigeria currently pose significant security risks. It warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, assault, kidnapping, and rape are now common occurrences across the country.
According to the advisory, kidnapping for ransom is frequent and often targets U.S. citizens or dual nationals visiting Nigeria, especially those perceived to be wealthy. Victims have been reportedly abducted even while travelling on interstate roads.
The advisory also expressed deep concern over terrorist activities in the country, noting that terrorist groups remain active and continue to plan and execute attacks. The U.S. government highlighted that these attacks are often carried out with little or no warning and target a wide range of public places, including shopping malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, schools, restaurants, and transportation hubs.
It stated that these terror groups increasingly collaborate with local criminal gangs, expanding their reach across both urban and rural areas.
Apart from terrorism and kidnapping, the advisory pointed to ongoing civil unrest and the growing threat posed by armed gangs, particularly in the southern parts of Nigeria. It noted that the Niger Delta and South-East regions are witnessing heightened activities of violent criminal groups, including attacks on security forces, assaults, and frequent abductions.
The advisory further raised serious concerns over the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system, which it said falls far below U.S. or European standards. It warned that American citizens should not expect the same level of medical care available in the United States. Common medications, including those used to manage diabetes and asthma, are often unavailable.
The advisory urged travelers to bring a sufficient supply of prescription and over-the-counter drugs to cover the entirety of their stay in Nigeria.
The statement added that counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a persistent problem, and that many hospitals and medical facilities expect immediate cash payment for services, as most do not accept U.S. health insurance.
Emergency services, such as ambulance response and trauma care, were described as unreliable, with poorly equipped vehicles and inadequately trained staff. Blood supply, it added, is frequently inconsistent and may not meet required safety standards.
It also advised all visitors to ensure they are fully vaccinated before entering Nigeria, recommending vaccines against yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and B, and polio. Additionally, the U.S. government warned of Nigeria’s high risk for malaria, urging travelers to take malaria prophylaxis and adopt protective measures.
The United States government concluded its advisory by recommending that all U.S. citizens traveling to Nigeria secure comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation. It emphasized that the overall situation in the country requires serious caution and preparedness.
This updated warning comes as part of the United States’ periodic security assessments across the globe. Nigeria was placed in the “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” category, while several other African nations, including Somalia, Libya, South Sudan, and Burkina Faso, were listed under even higher risk levels.
As of press time, Nigerian authorities have not issued a formal response to the latest travel advisory.
