The U.S. government has updated its travel advisory, urging citizens to avoid travel to Nigeria due to heightened risks of kidnapping, terrorism, armed gang activity, and limited healthcare access.
The advisory, part of a broader U.S. security review, identifies Nigeria and 11 other African nations—Somalia, Libya, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Chad—as high-risk destinations. Countries are ranked on a four-tier risk scale, with Level Four ("Do Not Travel") indicating the gravest threats and Level Three ("Reconsider Travel") signaling serious concerns.
According to a statement from the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, all parts of the country pose significant security risks, with 18 states flagged as particularly dangerous.
The advisory highlights 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 for crime, kidnapping, and armed gang activity.
Violent crimes, including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, and r@pe, are widespread. Kidnappings for ransom frequently target dual nationals and perceived wealthy U.S. citizens, with incidents reported on interstate roads. Terrorist groups, collaborating with local gangs, may strike without warning at public places like malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, schools, and government buildings.
Healthcare in Nigeria also raises concerns, with medical facilities falling below U.S. and European standards.
Essential medications, including those for diabetes and asthma, are often unavailable, and hospitals typically require immediate cash payments, as U.S. health insurance is not accepted. Emergency services are unreliable, and blood supplies may be unsafe.
The advisory recommends travelers 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. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are also a concern.
The U.S. strongly advises purchasing traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, before visiting Nigeria.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com