US Warns: Reconsider Travel to Nigeria Over Security Risks

President Donald Trump

The United States government has updated its travel advisory for Nigeria, urging American citizens to reconsider any planned trips due to a combination of rising insecurity and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. The advisory, posted on the website of the US Mission in Nigeria, raises red flags over the growing threat of kidnappings, terrorism, armed gang activity, and poor access to quality medical care across the country.

According to the advisory, all parts of Nigeria carry “significant security risks,” with 18 states listed as extremely dangerous. These include:

• Terrorism and Kidnapping Risks: Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa

• Kidnapping Hotspots: Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara

• Criminal Activity and Armed Gangs: Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, Rivers

The U.S. government classifies travel risk using a four-tier system, with Level Three ("Reconsider Travel") and Level Four ("Do Not Travel") being the most severe. Nigeria is currently placed at Level Three, signaling major concerns for travelers.

“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of health care services,” the statement reads. “Some areas have increased risks, but all carry significant security threats.”

The advisory highlights the widespread occurrence of violent crime, including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, and hostage-taking. It particularly warns of kidnappings for ransom, often targeting U.S. citizens or dual nationals perceived to be wealthy. These incidents frequently occur on interstate roads, and gangs often operate in collaboration with terrorist networks.

Terrorist groups reportedly continue to plan and execute attacks with little warning, targeting:

• Shopping centers and markets

• Hotels and restaurants

• Churches and mosques

• Government buildings

• Schools and transport hubs

The advisory warns that public places where large groups gather are particularly vulnerable to attack.

Beyond security, the U.S. government underscores severe limitations in Nigeria’s healthcare system, noting that medical services do not meet U.S. or European standards. The advisory urges travelers to:

• Bring adequate supplies of both over-the-counter and prescription medications

• Update vaccinations (including for yellow fever, cholera, hepatitis A/B, and polio booster)

• Take malaria prophylaxis, as malaria remains a high-risk infection

• Purchase travel insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage

The advisory also points to frequent shortages of basic medications, including those for chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma. It notes that ambulance services are unreliable, hospitals often demand immediate cash payments, and blood supplies may be compromised or unavailable.

“Emergency services like those in the United States or Europe do not exist,” the statement adds. “Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem, and most medical facilities do not accept U.S. health insurance.”

Nigeria is one of 12 African countries included in the latest U.S. global travel advisory, along with Somalia, Libya, South Sudan, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau all categorized as high-risk destinations due to various ongoing conflicts, instability, and infrastructure limitations.

The U.S. government’s latest travel advisory is a sobering reminder of the complex security and healthcare challenges facing Nigeria. American citizens are urged to reconsider non-essential travel, take extra precautions, and ensure adequate insurance and medical preparations before any visit.