The United States has issued a travel advisory to its citizens, urging them to reconsider travelling to Nigeria due to increased risk of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs.
The advisory, which was updated on September 20, 2023, also lists 14 states in Nigeria where Americans should avoid going to if at all they have to travel to the country.
The advisory warns that violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, roadside banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country. It also states that terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria, targeting shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather.
The US government also cautions that it has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions. It advises Americans who decide to travel to Nigeria to carry proper identification, use caution when walking or driving at night, keep a low profile, review travel routes and times to vary their predictability, do not physically resist any robbery attempt, be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust their plans.
The advisory also recommends that US citizens enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate them in an emergency. It also suggests that they establish a “proof of life” protocol with their loved ones in case they are taken hostagage
