Nigeria - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and piracy. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• Borno and Yobe States and northern Adamawa State due to terrorism

Violent crime, such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, and rape is common throughout the country. Exercise extreme caution throughout the country due to the threat of indiscriminate violence. 

Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria, especially in the Northeast. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather.

Sporadic violence occurs between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas, claiming hundreds of lives each year. 

Avoid travel to the Gulf of Guinea due to the threat of piracy. 

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page for Nigeria.

If you decide to travel to Nigeria: 

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. 
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings.
• Review your personal security plans.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Nigeria. 
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 

Borno and Yobe States and northern Adamawa State - Level 4: Do Not Travel

The security situation in northeast Nigeria is fluid and unpredictable, particularly in Borno and Yobe States and northern Adamawa State. Terrorist groups based in the Northeast target churches, schools, mosques, government installations, educational institutions, and entertainment venues. Hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have been displaced as a result.