The US Department of State issues a warning to Americans as it names 18 states to avoid regarding its citizens’ travel plans for Nigeria.
This advisory is primarily due to concerns related to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the presence of armed gangs.
In their travel advisory update issued on Wednesday, the US highlighted that certain areas in Nigeria carry an increased risk. They specifically advised against travel to the following regions:
- Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa state due to the risks associated with terrorism and kidnapping.
- Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara state due to the threat of kidnapping.
- Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (except for Port Harcourt) due to concerns related to crime, kidnapping, and the presence of armed gangs.
It further noted that “violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, roadside banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country.”
The Department, however, advised citizens who still choose to travel to Nigeria to: “Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, if needed. Regarding Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and Northern Adamawa states, the US insisted that the security situation in the states was “fluid and unpredictable due to widespread terrorist activity, inter-communal violence, and kidnapping. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.”
