The United States Department of State has issued a stark travel advisory, urging its citizens to reconsider all travel to Nigeria due to severe security threats, including terrorism, kidnapping, armed crime, and civil unrest.
The advisory states that terrorist groups continue to plot and carry out attacks across the country, often collaborating with local gangs. These attacks could occur with little to no warning in a variety of public venues.
Specific Areas Deemed High-Risk
The advisory explicitly recommends against travel to the following states due to the listed threats:
* Terrorism & Kidnapping: Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states.
* Kidnapping: Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.
* Crime, Kidnapping & Armed Gangs: Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt).
Potential Targets Identified
The warning highlights that terrorists are suspected to be plotting attacks in crowded public areas, including:
* Shopping malls and markets
* Hotels, restaurants, and bars
* Places of worship
* Schools and government buildings
* Transportation hubs
* Entertainment venues
In the Northeast specifically, groups frequently target humanitarian camps, security forces, road travellers, and the aforementioned public spaces.
Context of Rising Threats
This advisory follows reported movements of terrorist elements in northern Nigeria after U.S. airstrikes on Christmas Day, 2025. The Nigerian government had confirmed its support for the targeted strikes against terrorist enclaves.
The U.S. statement further cautions that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnap-for-ransom are common nationwide, often targeting individuals perceived as wealthy or foreign.
Travellers are strongly urged to review the complete advisory on the U.S. Department of State's website for detailed guidance and contingency planning.
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