The United States government has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to reconsider visiting Nigeria due to the rising threat of kidnapping, terrorism, armed gangs, and poor access to healthcare.
The advisory warned that all parts of the country carry security risks, but 18 states were listed as the most dangerous.
The states the US advised its citizens to avoid include Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa due to terrorism and kidnappings.
Others like Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi, and Gombe were flagged for widespread kidnapping activities.
In the South, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers were listed due to high levels of crime, kidnapping, and attacks by armed groups.
The advisory also raised concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, saying medical facilities in the country do not meet U.S. or European standards.
It noted that essential medications are often unavailable, and patients are usually expected to pay in cash before receiving care.
Ambulance services are described as unreliable and poorly equipped, with no guarantee of trained emergency personnel.
The US government advised travelers to ensure they are fully vaccinated and bring enough medication for their stay.
It also urged Americans to get travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation before arriving in Nigeria.
