The US has heightened its travel warning for Nigeria, advising Americans to reconsider travel to the country due to security concerns. The US Department of State has placed 23 Nigerian states under its “Do Not Travel” category, citing terrorism, crime, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The states listed include:
– Northern states: Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa
– Southern states: Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt)
– Other high-risk states: Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara
The US has also authorized the departure of non-emergency embassy staff and their families from Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation. The advisory warns of widespread crime, including armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping, and notes that Americans are often targeted due to perceived wealth.
The Nigerian government has expressed concern over the advisory, but has assured that it is taking steps to address security challenges.
