The United States has once again urged its citizens to avoid Nigeria.
This renewed travel advisory points to growing insecurity, armed gang activity, and unreliable healthcare as major concerns.
Insecurity Worsens Across Nigeria
The U.S. Department of State placed Nigeria under its Level 3 alert, which means “Reconsider Travel.”
According to the statement, no area in Nigeria currently offers stable security.
Terrorists, kidnappers, and armed gangs continue to carry out attacks across the country.
In fact, these groups target foreigners, wealthy Nigerians, and dual citizens. They often strike in cities, highways, and rural communities.
U.S. Lists High-Risk States
To guide its citizens, the U.S. listed 18 Nigerian states as extremely dangerous. These include Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa due to terrorist activities.
The advisory also flagged Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara for persistent violence and kidnapping.
Additionally, the southeastern states Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Imo and the oil-rich Niger Delta states Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) face threats from armed gangs and separatist groups.
Terrorists Still Target Public Places
Unlike before, criminals now target soft spots such as hotels, churches, markets, and schools.
These attacks happen without warning and often cause massive casualties.
Terrorists, in many cases, now work with armed gangs to strike larger targets.
As a result, law enforcement agencies find it difficult to stop every planned attack.
Health Services Offer Little Help
Beyond violence, the U.S. government raised serious concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Hospitals in many cities still lack basic supplies and trained staff.
For example, emergency services remain limited, and ambulances often arrive without equipment or trained paramedics.
Therefore, the U.S. warned its citizens to travel with essential medication.
To stay healthy, travelers should carry all their drugs and avoid local pharmacies, where counterfeit medicine remains a serious problem.
Travel Insurance Strongly Recommended
Finally, the advisory urged travelers to buy full medical and evacuation insurance.
Without it, they may face costly bills or treatment delays. Since most hospitals require upfront payment, the U.S. stressed the need for proper planning.
In summary, the U.S. government advised its citizens to avoid Nigeria unless absolutely necessary.
The advisory called for extra caution, updated vaccinations, and secure travel arrangements.