US Advises Caution to American Travelers Regarding 18 Nigerian States Due to Security Concerns (Watch)
The US Department of State has issued a fresh security advisory for its citizens regarding travel to Nigeria. In this updated release, the department is cautioning Americans to reconsider their plans to visit Nigeria due to concerns related to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs.
The advisory specifies particular states within Nigeria that Americans are strongly discouraged from traveling to. These include Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to the risks associated with terrorism and kidnapping. Additionally, the advisory mentions Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, where kidnapping is a notable concern. Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) are also singled out due to concerns related to crime, kidnapping, and the presence of armed gangs.
The advisory emphasizes that violent crime, such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape, is prevalent across the entire country.
However, for American citizens who still opt to travel to Nigeria, the Department of State advises them to carry proper identification, including a valid US passport with an up-to-date Nigerian visa if required. Regarding Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and Northern Adamawa states, the US highlights that the security situation in these areas is highly fluid and unpredictable due to widespread terrorist activities, inter-communal violence, and kidnapping. Security operations aimed at countering these threats may occur suddenly and without prior notice.