“Reconsider Travel to Nigeria” – US Warns Citizens Over Kidnapping, Poor Healthcare

The United States government has issued a renewed travel advisory urging its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria, citing widespread insecurity and unreliable healthcare. “Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of health care services,” the advisory stated.

In the advisory posted by the US Mission in Nigeria, the government highlighted rising incidents of kidnapping, terrorism, and the presence of armed groups as key concerns. As part of a broader global security review, Nigeria was placed under Level Three—“Reconsider Travel”—on the US four-tier warning scale, just below the most severe Level Four—“Do Not Travel.”

The advisory also flagged 11 other African countries, including Somalia, Libya, and South Sudan, as high-risk destinations.

Although the warning stops short of an outright travel ban, the US identified 18 Nigerian states with heightened threats and strongly advised its citizens to avoid those areas. Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa were listed due to terrorism and kidnapping; Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara due to kidnapping; and Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) due to crime and armed violence.

“All locations carry significant security risks,” the US government emphasized, noting that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and rape are prevalent. Dual-national citizens and US nationals perceived to be wealthy are frequently targeted, sometimes during interstate travel.

The advisory also warned of ongoing terrorist threats, with extremist groups actively plotting attacks and partnering with local gangs. Potential targets include public spaces such as markets, malls, places of worship, restaurants, schools, and transportation hubs.

On the healthcare front, the advisory raised serious concerns, stating that medical facilities in Nigeria are generally below US and European standards. “U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care to be available in Nigeria as they do in the United States,” it warned. Many essential medications are reportedly scarce, including common drugs for conditions like diabetes and asthma.

The advisory urged travellers to bring all necessary prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and to update vaccinations before travel. It also highlighted the lack of reliable ambulance services, trained paramedics, and adequate emergency care.

Due to the risks, US citizens are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel and medical evacuation insurance before travelling to Nigeria.