The US Department of State has issued new security advice to its citizens.
In a recent press release, the government warned Americans against visiting Nigeria "because of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs."
According to the release, the department cautioned its citizens against traveling to the following states: Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs; Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping; and Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping.
The report went on to say that "violent crime is common throughout the country, including rape, hostage-taking, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, and roadside banditry."
But in case they decide to go, the Department recommended individuals to: "Bring appropriate identification, such as a valid U.S. passport and a valid Nigerian visa, if necessary. The US claimed that the security situation in the states of Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and Northern Adamawa was "fluid and unpredictable due to widespread terrorist activity, inter-communal violence, and kidnapping. The government warned Americans against visiting Nigeria "because of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs"