A former Nigerian diplomat and security expert has strongly condemned the most recent travel warning released by the U.S. government, calling it inflated, unhelpful, and rooted in obsolete information.
The guidance, issued on July 15, 2025, from the U.S. Department of State, advised American citizens to think twice about visiting Nigeria because of extensive instability, terrorist activities, abductions, public disturbances, and inadequate medical facilities. Eighteen states were placed in the 'Avoid Travel' category, such as Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa because of terrorism and kidnappings, along with some southern states because of violent crimes and armed groups.
In response to the advisory, Ambassador Suleiman Dahiru, a former Nigerian diplomat, stated that the U.S. government has established a habit of issuing travel alerts that fail to enhance safety but instead harm Nigeria's global image.
"It's regrettable that the United States has developed a practice of issuing warnings, occasionally with the help of its European allies. Unfortunately for them, none of these advisories have ever led to any outcome," Dahiru stated in an interview last night.
He criticized the U.S. for being hypocritical, noting that several of the dangers mentioned in the warning are more common inside the country itself.
"It is only in America that you go to a restaurant to eat, and then you are shot and killed there. It is only in America that you go to a shopping mall to shop, and you end up being killed there. I have not heard of any Nigerian or any foreigner who has been killed in a shopping mall in Nigeria," he said.
Dahiru additionally claimed that the advice was driven by political intentions and lacked genuine intent.
"They are depending on old data or intelligence. They are also relying on conversations in beer parlors. None of the things they are discussing have taken place in Nigeria," he said.
He also criticized the U.S. for not working with Nigerian officials in a productive manner.
"If the United States is genuine, and they notice certain issues that are occurring, it is up to them to inform the Nigerian government so that the Nigerian government can implement appropriate actions to safeguard not only Nigerians but also foreigners," he stated.
The ex-diplomat voiced worries about what he called the United States' inconsistent policies and its partnership with Israel, especially concerning the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
"They are working with Israel to carry out their actions as though human life holds no value," he stated.
There is no valid reason for releasing those false warnings, particularly since none of the advisories have led to any accident or tragedy in Nigeria.
Cybersecurity professionals have also raised concerns about the timing and extent of the warning, cautioning that such notifications might put pressure on diplomatic ties and deter international investment.
The Nigerian authorities have not released an official statement regarding the most recent alert, although they previously criticized a comparable warning, stating that Abuja is still secure for both locals and tourists.
Security expert criticizes travel warning, raises concerns about diplomatic consequences, and economic dangers
A prominent Nigerian security expert has condemned the most recent travel warning released by the U.S. government, calling it standard but harmful to Nigeria's international reputation and diplomatic ties.
In an interview last night, Kabiru Adamu, the Managing Director of Beacon Consulting Limited, stated that the new guidance issued by the U.S. State Department and shared through its embassy in Abuja was "a standard procedure" derived from gathered security data covering environmental, political, and health-related dangers.
Now, this new warning, the significant change we observed is related to what they called the uneven availability of healthcare services," Adamu stated. "Everything pretty much stayed the same... but this specific mention carries several consequences for Nigeria.
He outlined four significant outcomes: harm to public perception, increased diplomatic tensions, heightened demand for healthcare reform, and damage to Nigeria's already challenged medical system.
"It strengthens the global view of Nigeria as insecure and lacking fundamental infrastructure. We might discourage foreign investment and tourism," he stated.
Adamu pointed out that the advice might deter members of the diaspora from visiting, lead to stricter insurance conditions, and raise the chances of kidnapping for ransom.
We're somewhat disappointed since, as demonstrated in our June report, there has been a 79% drop in kidnap-for-ransom incidents in various areas of Nigeria. Regrettably, this alert from the U.S. government failed to account for that.
He cautioned that the advisory might increase risk premiums for global investors and impose operational challenges on foreign visitors and supply chains.
If the alert states 'do not travel'... and critical business items are obtained from there, it would significantly affect the ability to sustain the supply chain.
Adamu also foresaw consequences affecting other foreign embassies.
I wouldn't be surprised if, in the coming days, you observe EU nations issuing comparable warnings... Australia might also take the same approach. Japan could follow suit, mirroring what the U.S. has done.
He ended by advocating for diplomatic interaction between Nigeria and the United States.
This travel warning does not reflect a welcoming nation... I am hoping the Nigerian government will improve its approach... so that future statements of this nature... can become less severe.
FG mum…
Although multiple calls and text messages were sent to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, there was no reply concerning the ministry's stance on the most recent U.S. travel warning.
Nevertheless, it might be remembered that last month, the Nigerian government publicly criticized a comparable notice released by the U.S. Embassy, which had advised its staff against unofficial visits to military and government buildings in Abuja, mentioning increased global security issues without identifying any specific local danger.
In reply to the warning, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, mentioned that Abuja is still secure for both locals and tourists, emphasizing Nigeria's respect for foreign embassies' right to issue alerts while highlighting there is no reason to worry.
Regarding this, when reached last night for a response to the new travel warning released by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the Special Assistant for Media and Publicity to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, stated: 'At the moment, the ministry is examining the details of the advisory and will provide a response in due course.'
The travel advisory Travel
The guidance states in part: 'Avoid Travel to: Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states because of terrorism and abduction. Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states because of abduction. Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (excluding Port Harcourt) because of criminal activity, abduction, and armed groups.
Country Overview: Crime involving violence is prevalent in the nation. This encompasses incidents such as armed robbery, physical assault, vehicle theft, abduction, taking of hostages, ambushes on roadsides, and sexual assault.
Ransom kidnappings are common. They mainly focus on individuals with dual nationality traveling to Nigeria and U.S. citizens seen as affluent. Gangs involved in kidnapping have also intercepted victims on highways between states.
Regarding terrorism, the US government has issued a warning about the potential for terrorist violence in Nigeria. This encompasses terrorist attacks and various related activities.
"Armed crime and gang activities are prevalent in the region. Offenses involve abductions and attacks on Nigerian security forces," it stated, noting that conflicts can erupt between farming and herding communities in rural zones.
'Nigerian healthcare centers typically do not meet the standards of those in the U.S. or Europe. Several drugs are inaccessible. This encompasses everyday treatments for diabetes or asthma,' the government cautioned.
Carry sufficient over-the-counter and prescription medications to cover your entire duration in Nigeria. Ensure your vaccinations are up to date, including all routine shots, along with yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and a polio booster.
All guests are advised to use Malaria prevention medication. Nigeria poses a significant risk for Malaria. The issue of fake medicines is widespread. Medical facilities typically require immediate cash payment for treatments.
Most medical facilities and physicians do not recognize U.S. health insurance. Emergency services similar to those found in the United States or Europe are not available. The availability of blood is frequently uncertain.
Emergency medical services can be inconsistent, lack proper equipment, and frequently lack qualified paramedics. We strongly advise obtaining travel insurance, including coverage for medical repatriation, prior to your trip.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).