American Citizens Are Advised Not To Travel To Delta, Rivers, And 16 Other States In Nigeria

American citizens are warned by the US Department of State to think twice before visiting Nigeria "due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs."

The US stated that some places "have increased risk" in its most recent travel alert, which was released on Wednesday.

It advised its citizens against travelling to Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to t£rrorism 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 is prevalent all over the nation, including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape."

Kidnappings for ransom usually target American people with a reputation for affluence as well as dual nationals who have visited Nigeria recently. On interstate routes, kidnapping groups have also stopped victims.

In Nigeria, terrorists still plan and carry out attacks. Targets of terrorist attacks may include shopping malls, markets, hotels, and places of worship. Attacks may occur with little or no advance notice. areas where people congregate, such as eateries, bars, clubs, government buildings, transportation hubs, and other locations. It is well known that terrorists collaborate with nearby gangs to broaden their influence.

"There is civil unrest and armed gangs in parts of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed criminality and gangs, including kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services is also pervasive in this region.

"Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions," the advisory reads.