Nigeria US Department of State Advises Against Travel to 18 Nigerian States Over Security Concerns

The US Department of State has issued a travel advisory cautioning its citizens about the security situation in Nigeria. The advisory urges Americans to reconsider traveling to Nigeria due to various security concerns.

It specifically highlights areas with elevated risks:

1. Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states are noted for terrorism and kidnapping.
2. Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states are mentioned for kidnapping.
3. Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (except Port Harcourt) are highlighted for crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.

The advisory emphasizes the prevalence of violent crimes such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape across the country.

The US Department of State recommends that citizens who still choose to travel to Nigeria should carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa if needed. However, it strongly cautions against travel to certain regions, particularly due to the fluid and unpredictable security situations caused by terrorist activities, inter-communal violence, and kidnapping.

This advisory serves as a reminder of the security challenges faced by some regions in Nigeria and underscores the importance of vigilance and caution when traveling to the country.