US Warns Citizens Against Travelling To Some States In Nigeria (Full List)

The United States government has warned its citizens against travelling to Nigeria citing increased levels of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime.

The American government also warned of possible attacks by terrorists, adding that the attacks may come with little or no warning.

It added that America has limited ability to provide emergency services due to the security situation in Nigeria.

The US government in a travel advisory/security warning issued on Tuesday further identified some specific states in Nigeria with high risks of terrorism and kidnapping, warning its citizens to stay clear of such places.

The statement said armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, banditry, and rape have become common criminal activities in Nigeria.

Specifically, the US government warned its citizens to avoid the following states: Borno, Yobe, Adamawa (northern part), Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara.

Other states listed are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt).

The states were listed as ‘Level 4’ risks with a clear warning of ‘do not travel’ as seen on the website of the US government.

Some of the crimes said to be prevalent in the states are terrorism and kidnapping as well as maritime crime.

US Evaluation Of Security In Nigeria

The security report warned that violence can flare up at any time while terrorists continue planning attacks which can occur with little or no prior warning.

Though Nigeria as a country was put on ‘Level 3’ which means citizens should reconsider travelling to the country, some particular states were put on ‘Level 4’ which means citizens should not visit such places.

America warned that “Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country. Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, often targeting dual national citizens who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as U.S. citizens with perceived wealth. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.

“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather. Terrorists are known to work with local gangs to expand their reach.

“There is civil unrest and low-level armed militancy in parts of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region. Armed criminality, including kidnapping and maritime crime, is also pervasive in this region.

“Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.

“There is frequent maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.

“The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.”