The United States government has advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria, citing heightened threats of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and unreliable health care services.
This warning was issued in a new travel advisory released on July 15, 2025, and published on the website of the US Mission in Nigeria.
The advisory categorically states that some parts of Nigeria carry increased risk levels. According to the advisory:
“Overall, all locations carry significant security risks. Read the entire Travel Advisory.”
It urges American citizens not to travel to the following states due to security challenges:
Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping;
Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, due to kidnapping;
Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.
On the issue of violent crime, the US government warned:
“Violent crime is common in the country. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape.”
It added that kidnappings for ransom are frequent and often target dual-national citizens visiting Nigeria and U.S. citizens perceived as wealthy.
“Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads,” the advisory noted.
The advisory also raised concerns about terrorist threats, highlighting the possibility of attacks on civilians without warning:
“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach, warning that they may attack with little or no warning.”
Potential targets include: “Shopping centers and malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants and bars, schools, government buildings, transportation hubs and public places where crowds gather.”
Additionally, the advisory warned about the presence of armed gangs and civil unrest, particularly in Southern Nigeria, with emphasis on the Niger Delta and Southeast regions.
“Armed crime and gangs are common in the area. Crimes include kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services,” it said.
“Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.”
The health care system in Nigeria was also flagged as unreliable for American travelers.
The advisory cautioned that Americans should not expect access to the same standard of care they receive in the U.S “Nigerian medical facilities are generally not equipped to U.S. or European standards. Many medicines are not available. This includes common medications for diabetes or asthma.”
Travelers were advised to bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication to last their entire trip and to ensure they are fully vaccinated before arrival.
“Update vaccinations to include all standard vaccinations, plus yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and a polio booster.”
The advisory also emphasized the high risk of malaria and the prevalence of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
“All visitors should take malaria prophylaxis. Nigeria is high risk for malaria. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem.”
Additionally, the US government warned that emergency services are largely inadequate:
“Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Most hospitals and doctors do not accept U.S. health insurance.”
“Emergency services like those in the United States or Europe do not exist. Blood supply is often unreliable. Ambulance services are unreliable, have poor equipment, and often do not have trained paramedics.”
Travelers were also advised to obtain comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for medical evacuation.
“We strongly recommend getting traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling.”
The U.S Department of State emphasized it does not cover medical costs for citizens abroad, as Medicare and Medicaid do not apply internationally.
Due to the severity of the security challenges, the advisory concluded that U.S. government personnel have limited capacity to assist citizens in many parts of Nigeria:
“Due to security risks, the U.S government said its employees cannot provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria.”
