US Excludes Southwest Nigeria from Travel Warning

The U.S. government has updated its travel advisory for Nigeria, now excluding the Southwest region from its “Do Not Travel” list. However, travelers are still urged to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to ongoing issues related to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs.

Certain areas continue to present an increased risk, and the full details of the Travel Advisory should be consulted.

Regions classified as “Do Not Travel” include:

Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping.

Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping risks.

Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (excluding Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.

Violent crimes such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape are prevalent throughout Nigeria.

Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, particularly targeting dual nationals visiting Nigeria and U.S. citizens perceived to be wealthy. Kidnap gangs have also been known to ambush victims on interstate roads.

Terrorist groups continue to plan and execute attacks across Nigeria, often without warning. Targets include shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government facilities, transportation hubs, and other crowded locations.

These terrorist groups frequently collaborate with local gangs to enhance their operational reach.

Civil unrest and the presence of armed gangs are notable in parts of Southern Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions.

The prevalence of armed criminality, including kidnappings and assaults on Nigerian security forces, is a significant concern in these areas.

Additionally, violence can erupt between farming and herding communities in rural regions.

The U.S. government has limited capacity to provide emergency services to its citizens in many parts of Nigeria due to the prevailing security conditions.