The United States of America (USA) in its latest travel advisory shared on Wednesday discouraged citizens to travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed gangs. The United States in its advisory noted thatvsone areas in Nigeria “have increased risk.” Particularly areas like, Borno, Yibe, Kogi and northern Adamawa which are states seen to be prone to terrorism and kidnapping; Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping: Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs. “Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, roadside banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country.
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It states that kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, often targeting dual national citizens who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as U.S. citizens with perceived wealth.
While trying to protect its citizens, the advisory notes that kidnappings happen to victins on interstate roads where terrorists continue to plot and carry out attacks in Nigeria. Most times, these terrorists may attack with little or no warning aiming shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather.
Furthermore, the advisory notes that the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.
