U S. advises citizens to avoid Nigeria over poor healthcare, rising kidnapping cases

 

Maureen Aguta

 

The United States government has issued a new travel advisory warning its citizens against travelling to Nigeria, citing the country’s inadequate healthcare system, rising cases of kidnapping, terrorism, and violent crime by armed gangs.

The advisory, released as part of a broader security assessment, serves as a guideline for Americans planning trips to Africa, highlighting several countries deemed high-risk destinations.

In addition to Nigeria, the U.S. flagged 11 other African nations in the global advisory, including Somalia, Libya, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Chad.

The advisory classifies countries into four risk levels, with Level 4 being “Do Not Travel”, the highest alert, and Level 3 advising travellers to “Reconsider Travel” due to significant safety concerns.

In a statement published on its official website, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria urged American citizens to reconsider any planned travel to Nigeria, warning that every part of the country poses “significant security risks.”

While travel to Nigeria has not been entirely banned, the U.S. government identified 18 states as particularly dangerous and strongly advised its citizens to avoid them altogether.

Specifically, the advisory warned against travel to Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa due to the high threat of terrorism and kidnapping; Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara over rampant kidnappings; and Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) due to widespread crime, abductions, and violent gang activity.

The statement read: “Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some places in Nigeria have an increased risk. Overall, all locations carry significant security risks.

“Violent crime is common in the country. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape.

“Kidnappings for ransom happen often. They primarily target dual national citizens visiting Nigeria and U.S. citizens perceived as wealthy. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.

“There is a risk of terrorist violence in Nigeria. This includes terrorist attacks and other activities.

Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach. They may attack with little or no warning, including: shopping centres and malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants and bars, schools, government buildings, transportation hubs, and public places where crowds gather.

“Gangs and crime: Civil unrest and armed gangs are active in parts of Southern Nigeria. This is especially true in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed crime and gangs are common in the area. Crimes include kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services.

Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.

“U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care to be available in Nigeria as they do in the United States. Nigerian medical facilities are generally not equipped to U.S. or European standards. Many medicines are not available. This includes common medications for diabetes or asthma.

“Bring enough over-the-counter and prescription medicines to last your entire stay in Nigeria. Update vaccinations to include all standard vaccinations, plus yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and a polio booster.”

“All visitors should take Malaria prophylaxis. Nigeria is at high risk for Malaria. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem. Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Most hospitals and doctors do not accept U.S. health insurance.

“Emergency services like those in the United States or Europe do not exist.

“We strongly recommend getting traveller’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before travelling.”