The United States of America yesterday declared 20 Nigeria states including Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, unsafe and completely no go area.
It warned its citizen to avoid them.
The 17 other states on the list are: Bauchi, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
An advisory published online urged vigilance around government security facilities; places of worship and other places and areas patronised by tourists and expatriates.
It disclosed that its decision was based on safety and security risk assessments, citing the spate of kidnappings for ransom amid other security challenges across Nigeria. It, therefore, warned that its officials must receive advance clearance by the U.S. Mission before travelling to the affected states.
“Security measures in Nigeria remain heightened due to threats posed by extremist groups, and U.S. citizens may encounter police and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible road blocks throughout the country.
“Hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have been displaced as a result of violence in the north.”
“Based on safety and security risk assessments, the embassy maintains restrictions for travel by US officials to the states listed above. Officials must also apply for advance clearance by the US Mission for any travel to those states.
“Separatist groups have staged demonstrations in Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, Lagos, and Rivers states, some of which have turned violent.
“Militant groups have destroyed oil production infrastructure in Bayelsa and Delta states.
“U.S citizens are advised to avoid the areas of these states where these incidents have occurred,” the statement added.