U.S. Warns Citizens Against Nigeria Travel Over Kidnappings, Terrorism, and Poor Healthcare

The United States government has issued a renewed travel advisory urging its citizens to reconsider any non-essential travel to Nigeria, citing widespread insecurity, organized kidnapping rings, and the nation’s struggling healthcare infrastructure.

In the advisory posted on the website of the U.S. Department of State and echoed by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria officials expressed concern over violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping for ransom, and civil unrest, which continue to pose significant threats across the country.

The advisory, part of a global update for American travelers, placed Nigeria under Level 3: Reconsider Travel, with 18 Nigerian states categorized as Level 4: Do Not Travel zones due to heightened risk factors. According to the statement, terrorist groups and criminal networks remain active in several parts of Nigeria, particularly in the North and Southeast. Victims of kidnapping are often targeted for ransom, with U.S. citizens and dual nationals among the most vulnerable.

Americans are specifically advised to completely avoid the following 18 states: Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa, which are considered highly dangerous due to terrorism and kidnapping; Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara, which are flagged for recurring kidnappings; and Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt), where violent crime, kidnapping, and armed gang activity are prevalent.

The advisory highlights a disturbing trend of interstate kidnappings, noting that criminal groups often block highways to abduct travelers, especially those perceived as wealthy or foreign.

Aside from security concerns, the U.S. warned of the inconsistent availability of quality healthcare in Nigeria. Most medical facilities are under-equipped, lack essential medications, and do not meet international standards. Patients are frequently required to make cash payments upfront, and emergency response services are described as unreliable and poorly equipped.

American travelers are advised to carry all prescription and over-the-counter medications for their entire stay, get vaccinated against diseases such as yellow fever, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis, take antimalarial drugs before arrival, and ensure they have comprehensive travel health insurance and medical evacuation coverage.

Nigeria joins 11 other African nations Somalia, Libya, South Sudan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Burundi, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, and Niger flagged by the U.S. as high-risk destinations due to similar patterns of insecurity and poor public services.

While this is not the first advisory of its kind, the latest update intensifies concerns amid rising cases of banditry, political violence, and cross-border terrorist operations in West Africa.

The advisory sends a strong signal to Nigerian Americans, dual citizens, and U.S.-based companies operating in Nigeria. Travel plans should be reassessed with caution, and ongoing trips should include detailed contingency and security planning.

Experts recommend registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and enable U.S. consular support in emergencies.

The U.S. government’s updated stance on Nigeria reflects a grim security and healthcare outlook. While not a complete travel ban, the advisory is a clear warning that the risks outweigh the rewards for most travelers.