The U.S. government has warned its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to increasing insecurity and poor healthcare.
The U.S. government has warned its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to increasing insecurity and poor healthcare. In a statement from the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, officials cited “crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of health care services.” The advisory, part of a broader African security review, categorized Nigeria as a level three risk and identified 18 states to avoid completely.
States such as Borno, Yobe, and Kaduna were flagged for terrorism and kidnapping, while southeastern and Niger Delta states were noted for crime and gang activity. “Kidnappings for ransom happen often,” the advisory noted, targeting dual nationals and perceived wealthy U.S. citizens. Healthcare in Nigeria, the statement warned, is substandard: “U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care to be available in Nigeria as they do in the United States.”
Travellers are advised to bring sufficient medicine, update vaccinations, and obtain evacuation insurance.