Safety and Security

Please see our most recent Travel Warning for more detailed information.

There are significant risks associated with travel in Nigeria, including terrorist attacks, kidnappings, crime, and communal or political violence.

Be especially vigilant in/around:

• churches
• mosques
• other places of worship
• locations where large crowds may gather
• hotels
• clubs
• restaurants
• markets
• shopping malls  

Be aware of current situations, including curfews, travel restrictions, and states of emergency in the areas you are in or plan to visit.

The terrorist group Boko Haram has carried out numerous attacks on civilian and government targets in recent years, killing or wounding thousands of people.  While northeastern Nigeria is the epicenter of Boko Haram activities, the group has taken responsibility for attacks in Jos, the Federal Capitol Territory, and Lagos.

Kidnappings remain a security concern throughout the country. Kidnappings in recent years have resulted in the deaths of foreign nationals, including several killed by their captors during military-led raids/rescue operations.

Crime:  Armed muggings, assaults, burglaries and home invasions, car-jackings, rape, and extortions occur regularly and often involve violence.  Law enforcement authorities usually respond slowly or not at all and provide little or no investigative support to victims.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for more information on scams.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police and contact the Embassy or Consulate. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your consent
• explain the local criminal justice process
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited support in cases of destitution
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts.
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
• See traveling safely abroad for useful tips.