U.S. Issues Travel Advisory Warning Against Nigeria Due to Security and Healthcare Concerns

On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the United States government issued a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory for Nigeria, cautioning its citizens against travel due to escalating threats of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, armed gangs, and inadequate healthcare services, as detailed in a statement on the U.S. Mission Nigeria website. The advisory, part of a broader security review of travel to Africa, places Nigeria among 12 high-risk African countries, including Somalia, Libya, and Burkina Faso, with 18 Nigerian states flagged as Level 4 “Do Not Travel” zones due to severe risks. These include Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa for terrorism and kidnapping; Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara for kidnapping; and Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) for crime, kidnapping, and armed gang activity. The advisory highlights widespread violent crimes like armed robbery, assault, carjacking, and rape, with kidnappings often targeting dual nationals or perceived wealthy U.S. citizens, and terrorists collaborating with local gangs to attack public spaces such as markets, hotels, and schools.

The advisory also warns of Nigeria’s under-equipped medical infrastructure, noting unreliable access to emergency services, blood supplies, and basic medications for conditions like diabetes and asthma, with counterfeit pharmaceuticals posing additional risks. U.S. citizens are urged to bring sufficient medications, update vaccinations (including yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and B, and polio), and take malaria prophylaxis due to Nigeria’s high malaria risk. Hospitals often demand immediate cash payments and do not accept U.S. health insurance, prompting recommendations for travelers to secure medical evacuation insurance. The advisory advises avoiding demonstrations, varying travel routes, and maintaining a low profile, as U.S. Embassy services are limited outside Abuja and Lagos. This warning aligns with similar advisories from Canada and Australia, which also cite Nigeria’s volatile security situation and healthcare deficiencies.