By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The United States government has issued a new travel advisory, warning its citizens against visiting 18 Nigerian states due to escalating security and health risks.
The advisory, released Tuesday, cited widespread violent crime, terrorism, abductions, and poor healthcare infrastructure as key concerns.
The U.S. Department of State classified Nigeria among several African countries under its highest risk categories, advising against all non-essential travel to certain regions and urging increased caution nationwide.
Other countries listed include Somalia, Libya, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Chad.
In Nigeria, the advisory designates Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states as highly dangerous due to terrorism and frequent kidnappings.
It also flagged Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states for rampant abduction cases.
Meanwhile, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) were noted for persistent criminal activity and violent gang operations.
“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some places in Nigeria have an increased risk. Overall, all locations carry significant security risks,” the U.S. Mission in Nigeria stated.
The advisory emphasized that violent crime—including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, and rape—is widespread, and that travelers could be exposed to kidnapping and hostage-taking, especially along major roads.
This latest warning underscores growing global concern over Nigeria’s internal security challenges and places increased pressure on authorities to address rising insecurity across multiple regions.