The United States is strongly advising its citizens to avoid traveling to Nigeria because of the country’s rising levels of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, Kidnapping, and armed gangs.

Specifically, the states of Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa have been given a “do not travel” warning due to the presence of terrorism and kidnapping.

Furthermore, the states of Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara have a travel warning specifically related to kidnapping.

Similar warnings have been issued for the states of Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) due to crime, abductions, and armed gangs.

According to the United States, these states have been classified as Level 4, which indicates the highest level of risk.

The warning underlines that due to extensive terrorist activities, intercommunal violence, and kidnapping, the security situation in these states is extremely unstable and unpredictable.

The US government also alerts citizens about ongoing security measures being carried out to combat these issues.

The advisory read. “Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, roadside banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country. 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. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.

“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. 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. Terrorists are known to work with local gangs to expand their reach.

“There is civil unrest and armed gangs in parts of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions; and 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” it added.