The U.S. government has issued a renewed warning urging its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to worsening insecurity, pervasive violence, and an unreliable healthcare system.
In a travel advisory released by the U.S. Department of State, Nigeria remains under a Level 3 alert, with 18 states classified as Level 4, or “do not travel.”
Among the highest-risk states are Borno, Yobe, and northern Adamawa due to terrorism and kidnapping threats. In the North-West and North-Central zones, states such as Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kogi were flagged for widespread violent crime and abductions.
Southern states, including Abia, Imo, Bayelsa, and Delta were highlighted for armed attacks and kidnapping, particularly in rural areas.
The advisory warned, “Armed robbery, carjacking, assault, rape, and hostage-taking have become common occurrences.”
Criminal groups, it said, often target major highways and sometimes coordinate with terrorist cells.
In addition to security concerns, the advisory spotlighted Nigeria’s healthcare challenges. The U.S. cautioned travellers to bring their own medications due to scarcity and the risk of counterfeit drugs. It further noted that many hospitals lack adequate resources, skilled personnel, and essential supplies.
Travellers were strongly encouraged to secure comprehensive medical evacuation insurance and be vaccinated against diseases like yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis, and malaria.
Security analysts view the advisory as a reflection of the deteriorating situation and urge Nigerian authorities to act decisively to restore confidence.
