From Victor Osula, Abuja
The United States government has warned its citizens against travelling to Nigeria, citing poor healthcare services, rising cases of kidnapping, terrorism, and activities of armed gangs and civil unrest.
A recent travel advisory issued on July 15 by the Department of State, and published on the website of the US Mission in Nigeria, advised Americans to reconsider visiting Nigeria, stressing that all locations in the country pose significant security risks.
Warning that “overall, all locations carry significant security risks”, the advisory identified 18 Nigerian states as highly unsafe, advising its citizens to avoid them completely. These include Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and Northern Adamawa – due to terrorism and kidnapping. Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara – due to kidnapping; and Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) – due to crime, armed gangs, and kidnapping
“Do Not Travel to: Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping. Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states are affected by kidnapping. Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) are affected by crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.
“Country Summary: 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”, the advisory stated.
On terrorism, it warned that there is a risk of terrorist violence in Nigeria. This includes terrorist attacks and other activities.
“Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach, warning that 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”, it added.
On gangs and crime, the US government warned its citizens that civil unrest and armed gangs are active in parts of Southern Nigeria, saying that 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”, it said, adding that violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.
US citizens have also been warned about the unreliable healthcare in Nigeria, advising them not to expect the same level of healthcare available 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. Blood supply is often unreliable.
“Ambulance services are unreliable, have poor equipment, and often do not have trained paramedics. We strongly recommend getting traveller’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before travelling”, the advisory stressed.
The Department of State emphasised that due to security risks, the U.S government cannot provide emergency services to its citizens in many areas of Nigeria.
Consequently, it advised American citizens who must travel to Nigeria must go with enough medication to last their entire stay and ensure all vaccinations are up to date, including yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, and a polio booster.
