Published: April 8, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Nigeria Travel Advisory and Nigeria Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Abuja:
Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Embassy Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday, 0730-1830, and Friday 0730-1230.
Embassy Operator: +234 9-461-4000
Marine Security Guard at Post One: +234 9-461-4200
Embassy Duty Officer: +234 803-408-6000
Regional Security Office: +234 9-461-4175
American Citizen Services: +234 9-461-4000
U.S. Consulate General Lagos:
2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos
Consulate Operator: +234 1-460-3400
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
OSAC has active chapters in Abuja and Lagos.
Contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.
Nigeria Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs. Do not travel to Borno, Yobe, Kogi and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping; Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping; and coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Abuja and Lagos as being CRITICAL-threat locations for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Nigeria, indicating that there is widespread violent crime and organized crime present in the country, and that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
The crime emergency line in Lagos is 767 or 112. The crime emergency line in Abuja is 199 or 112. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Criminals are prone to use violence and may meet resistance with deadly force. Home invasions remain a threat, with armed robbers targeting guarded compounds by scaling perimeter walls, following residents/visitors, or subduing guards to gain entry. A significant number of kidnappings for ransom targeting Westerners have occurred throughout the country and continue to escalate in regularity. Muggings, assaults, burglaries, carjackings, rape, kidnappings, and extortion occur regularly. Law enforcement authorities usually respond slowly and often do not have the resources to provide investigative support to victims.
Armed robbers have targeted occupants in vehicles. Smash-and-grab robberies are common, with thieves canvassing stopped vehicles for valuables. Thieves will break the vehicle’s window or simply reach in and grab items while a vehicle stops in traffic. Cooperate if an armed assailant or carjacker approaches; resistance may result in violence.
Home invasions remain a serious threat, with armed robbers even targeting guarded compounds. Perpetrators have scaled perimeter walls, followed residents/visitors, and subdued guards to gain entry. Armed robbers in Lagos have invaded waterfront compounds and businesses by boat, using waterways as a means of escape.
The mainland portion of Lagos has experienced periodic outbreaks of violence, resulting from clashes among localized street gangs known as “Area Boys.” Based on current trends, the number of these crimes often increases during the months of September, October, November, and December, leading up to the holiday season.
Crime is rampant throughout southern Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta region including Port Harcourt. Multiple armed criminal elements operate throughout Nigeria, ranging from low-level to organized syndicates. Cultist or gang violence often erupts in supremacy battles between various groups.
Armed bandit groups operate throughout Nigeria, but particularly in the Northwest, where they rustle cattle, attack and pillage villages, and commit mass kidnappings for ransom. Some groups control territory and extract taxes or protection money from residents. In early 2022, the Nigerian government designated these bandit groups as terrorists. The Nigerian military has since battled bandit groups on the ground and through air strikes, some of which have been blamed for civilian deaths. Across the country, bandit groups are responsible for more civilian deaths per year than are terrorist groups.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens beyond Abuja and Lagos and their immediate surrounding areas.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Nigeria, indicating that criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to, or have actually seized, detained, injured, or killed victims; or have held victims to compel third parties, including governments, to pay ransom or do something (or abstain from doing something) as a condition of release.
Kidnapping is a serious security concern and police report it’s increasing in frequency, especially in areas considered more secure, such as inside central Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Abuja. Criminals and militants have abducted foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, from residential compounds, public roadways, and from offshore and land-based oil facilities. Many kidnappings are conducted by criminal groups seeking ransom payment for victims. It is not uncommon for criminals to mistreat and injure kidnap victims and hold them in deplorable conditions. In some cases, criminals have killed kidnap victims even after receiving ransom payment. Terrorist kidnappings most frequently occur in Northeast Nigeria where terrorist groups are most active. Terrorist and criminal kidnappings impact Nigerians and foreigners alike. Kidnappers have ambushed vehicles stopped at checkpoints or other obstructions in the roadway. To minimize this risk, drivers and passengers should remain vigilant when stopping at these barriers.
Travelers should purchase kidnapping insurance. Although the Government of Nigeria passed legislation in 2013 making the paying of kidnapping ransoms illegal, there has not been a recorded case of any prosecutions for violating this law. Actual or suspected kidnappings should be immediately reported to the U.S. Embassy.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Abuja and Lagos as being HIGH-threat locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Nigeria, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
Regional terrorism remains a significant threat. Nigerian efforts to combat regional terrorism continue to prove challenging. The terrorist organizations Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa (ISIS-WA), and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis-Sudan (Ansaru) are active in Northeast and North Central Nigeria and are Department of State-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations. While the Nigerian army reports attacks on the Niger-Nigeria border in 2024 as being carried out by a new terrorist group - known as Lakurawa, this group has been active since at least 2016 in the Sahel, particularly from Mali and Niger. All are responsible for deadly attacks on churches, schools, mosques, Nigerian government installations, educational institutions, and entertainment venues in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Jigawa, Lagos, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara states, and the Federal Capital Territory. Markets remain especially vulnerable. All groups have the capability to manufacture and employ suicide vests, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and vehicle-borne IEDs.
In 2016, Boko Haram divided into two factions. One faction calls itself ISIS-WA and is an ISIS affiliate, while the other faction remained loyal to its historical leadership. Boko Haram and ISIS-WA frequently battle one another in Nigeria’s Northeast in competition for territory and fighters.
In June 2021, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau died during a confrontation with ISIS-WA members in the Sambisa Forest in Borno State. Since his death, ISIS-WA has become the dominant terrorist group in Nigeria, although some pockets of Boko Haram members still exist, including in areas around the Lake Chad basin. Ansaru largely operated in Kaduna and Niger state but lost significant capability in 2022 in the face of competing bandit groups and Nigerian military operations against the group.
Terrorist groups have conducted kidnappings, killings, bombings, and attacks on civilian and military targets, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, injuries, and significant destruction of property. While generally operating in northeastern Nigeria, these groups are not confined there and have increasingly operated in North Central Nigeria, evidenced by the discovery of an ISIS-WA cell in Kogi state in 2022 and active cells in North Western states of Kano in 2023. Terrorist threats persist throughout the country including the Federal Capital Territory.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are militant separatists designated by the Nigerian government as a proscribed terrorist group in 2017. IPOB has conducted violent attacks against Nigerian government forces and other targets in the Southeast, including a 2023 opportunist attack on a U.S. Embassy motorcade resulting in seven dead. While IPOB represents a formidable threat to Nigerian political stability, they are focused on the Nigerian government. There are no indications these militant insurgents are deliberately targeting U.S. interests or conducting violent extremism outside of Nigeria.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Abuja and Lagos as being HIGH-threat locations for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Nigeria, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently, and that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Since the start of Nigeria’s modern democratic era in 1999, Nigerian elections have frequently experienced violence, though levels of violence are generally considered modest considering Nigeria’s size. Election violence has not impacted Abuja and limited incidents of violence have occurred in Lagos, with most incidents of electoral violence occurring in more remote areas.
Nigeria’s 2023 general elections occurred relatively peacefully, though domestic and international observers reported voting process irregularities, intimidation of voters and election officials, and voter suppression in various states across the country. Violence was largely concentrated in southern states, where the separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) allegedly committed attacks against polling stations and election officials for months leading up to the elections and on Election Day. Lagos also experienced violence during the elections and civil society organizations reported several instances of allegedly ethnicity-based voter intimidation. Nigeria’s next general elections are scheduled for 2027.
Protests & Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur frequently and can become violent. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.
In October 2020, protests against the Nigerian Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) manifested across Nigeria, posing security and logistical risks to OSAC members. The #EndSARS protests drew significant crowds of tens of thousands in major cities, including in Abuja and Lagos. On October 20, protestors and security forces clashed at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, with security forces allegedly opening fire on the demonstrations leading to at least 12 deaths. Several Nigerian states issued curfews restricting the movement of goods and personnel.
In July and August 2024, protests erupted nationwide over issues of poor governance. The initial two days were marked by violence, especially after police attempted to confine protesters to designated areas in Abuja. During this period, bandits and criminals exploited the police distraction to loot several shopping centers on the city's outskirts. Eventually, the police regained control, and the subsequent protests proceeded more peacefully.
Demonstrations conducted without the permission of the government, or which stray outside of agreed-upon parameters, generally face aggressive crowd-control actions by security forces, including the deployment of teargas and firing of weapons into the air.
Violence occurs throughout Nigeria due to endemic poverty, poor education, youth unemployment, and high levels of inequality. Many individuals struggle daily to access clean water, reliable power, and basic healthcare. In some communities, domestic and international efforts to address these issues occasionally have the unintended consequence of creating divisions within and among communities as groups vie for access to resources. In isolated incidents, protests against the government related to these issues have led to violence.
Incidents of intercommunal violence, including herder-settler violence emanating from the Middle Belt, occur in southern Nigeria and can prompt reprisals. Upticks in armed criminality, including armed banditry and kidnapping, are associated with intercommunal violence in the Middle Belt.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Although there is no specific anti-U.S. sentiment prevalent across the country, Westerners and foreigners in general (including individuals who work for them) are susceptible to kidnapping, injury, or death in locations prone to targeting by terrorist and other armed groups. As Nigerian counter-terrorism efforts ebb and flow in terms of success, groups such as NGOs providing humanitarian assistance in the northeast face potential terrorist targeting. They also operate under close government scrutiny.
Law Enforcement
There is no reliable national emergency communication number. The emergency line in Lagos is 767 or 112. The emergency number in Abuja is 199 or 112. Contact the American Citizen Services unit at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja (+234 9-461-4000) or U.S. Consulate General in Lagos (+234 1-460-3400) for assistance. Inquire at the nearest police station about the contact telephone numbers for that particular station.
The Nigeria Police Force, which reports to the Ministry of Police and is overseen by the Police Service Commission, is the primary civilian law enforcement agency and enjoys broad jurisdiction throughout the country. The Ministry of Interior also conducts security and law enforcement activities. The Department of State Services, which reports to the national security advisor in the Office of the President, is responsible for counterintelligence, internal security, counterterrorism, and surveillance, as well as protection of senior government officials. The Nigerian Armed Forces, which reports to the minister of defense, also shares domestic security responsibilities in the case of insufficient capacity and staffing of domestic law enforcement agencies or as ordered by the president. Many states, in response to increased violence, insecurity, and criminality that exceeded the response capacity of government security forces, utilize local “security” vigilante forces. These local forces usually reported to the state governor. Civilian authorities do not always maintain effective control over the security services. Many businesses and wealthy residents employ guard services at work and home. Many companies offer varying quality of service. As Nigerian law prohibits the arming of private security personnel, off-duty police supplement guard forces.
Police Response
Despite a visible police presence in large cities, police response is variable. Law enforcement authorities usually respond slowly or not at all and provide minimal investigative support to victims.
A lack of basic resources (communications equipment, vehicles, and fuel) severely hampers effective police response. Investigative efforts suffer from similar resource constraints.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Nigeria, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Nigeria.
U.S. nationals, Nigerians, and expatriates have reported harassment and extortion at vehicle checkpoints and in other encounters with law enforcement officials. Police have entered vehicles to “negotiate” with drivers accused of minor traffic offenses; usually this is a thinly disguised attempt to solicit a bribe to let the accused go free. Avoid this situation simply by keeping the vehicle’s windows rolled up and doors locked.
Although the law provides criminal penalties for conviction of official corruption, the government does not consistently implement the law, and government employees frequently engage in corrupt practices with impunity. Massive, widespread, and pervasive corruption affect all levels of government, including the judiciary and security services. The constitution provides immunity from civil and criminal prosecution for the president, vice president, governors, and deputy governors while in office. There have been numerous allegations of government corruption.
Cybersecurity
With the development and popularity of social networking sites, cybercrimes have increased immensely. It has become necessary to prioritize the issue and make strict laws with the developing technology. Business email compromise has proliferated and includes phishing, spear phishing, and even social engineering techniques. The technical proficiency has improved, making suspicious emails and contacts harder to identify.
Economic fraud involving credit card fraud, skimming, and identity theft is widespread. Personal checks are not a commonly accepted monetary instrument. ATM and credit cards are accepted at larger, reputable locations, but visitors should use them with caution. Some international hotel brands are present in Lagos and Abuja, and throughout southern Nigeria. These locations have adequate security and safety measures in place. Due to widespread identity and financial fraud, do not carry unnecessarily detailed information about yourself and your financial situation.
Scams are prevalent and include offers of fake business opportunities and romance schemes. Fraud is common in Nigeria, with “419” style advance-fee fraud being the most pervasive. 419 scams are classic email frauds and frequently involve the well-known “Nigerian Prince” scam. However, more sophisticated scams and fraud networks exist. One of these more sophisticated scam-based criminal enterprises include “Yahoo boys” who use diverse ploys and platforms including dating sites, chat rooms, social media, and other online conduits to deceive their victims. Review the U.S. Embassy’s webpage on scams.
Fraud also finds its way into the private sector via business fraud and investment scams, especially when attempting to lease or purchase land in Lagos State. Remain wary of business offers promising large payoffs for little investment.
Online dating scams are elaborate and believable, and prey on vulnerable people searching for love. An increasing number of incidents involve scammers persuading middle-aged U.S. or European females to travel to Nigeria to marry fiancés they met online. Although the women believe the relationship is legitimate, Nigeria-based perpetrators deliberately cultivate these connections to obtain immigration and/or financial benefits. In most instances, the Nigerian contacts defraud victims of their savings; however, in a handful of cases, they hold victims against their will after traveling to Nigeria, and occasionally physically and/or sexually assault them to obtain cooperation.
Many romance scams originate on legitimate dating websites and quickly transition to personal messaging applications, such as WhatsApp or Skype. The person based in Nigeria will court the foreigner online and initially ask for small amounts of money to cover “traditional” wedding expenses and visa fees. The Nigeria-based person may or may not use photographs with their identity. Recent reports suggest that Nigeria-based perpetrators have increasingly asked for sexually explicit or provocative photographs for later use to extort money from the foreign victim.
Import/Export Restrictions
The United States imposes export controls to protect national security interests and promote foreign policy objectives related to dual-use goods and less-sensitive military items through implementation of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 – 774).
To receive clearance for goods imported into Nigeria, traders must present a bill of lading, commercial invoice exit note, duly completed Form ‘M’ entry declaration, packing list, single goods declaration, and a product certificate.
There are no reported restrictions on the use or importation of satellite phones.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
