US flags 18 Nigerian states as ‘no go areas’ for citizens

By Ayorinde Oluokun\Abuja

The United States (U.S) government has identified 18 Nigerian states that should be ‘no go areas’ for her citizens because of what it described as widespread crime, abductions, and violent gang activity in the states.

The U.S government identified the states in a new travel advisory warning its citizens against travelling to Nigeria and some other African countries released on Tuesday.

It cited inadequate healthcare system, rising cases of kidnapping, terrorism, and violent crime by armed gangs as reasons for dissuading Americans from travelling to the countries.

Apart from Nigeria, the other African countries flagged by the U.S. in the advisory are Somalia, Libya, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Chad.

The countries were classified 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 the global advisory.

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,” Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa flagged for alleged high threat of terrorism and kidnapping.

The U.S Mission also warned Americans from travelling to 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.”