The United States has warned its citizens to avoid travelling to 14 states in Nigeria due to the increasing spate of insecurity.

In its latest travel advisory, the states deemed as unsafe for its citizens include Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states.

The advisory read in part: “Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country.

“Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, often targeting dual national citizens who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as U.S. citizens with perceived wealth. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.

Mob burn one chance robbers to death in Abuja

“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria, especially in the Northeast.

“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centres, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather. Terrorists are known to work with local gangs to expand their reach.

“There is insecurity, civil unrest and low-level armed militancy in parts of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region. Armed criminality, including kidnapping and maritime crime, is also pervasive in this region.

“Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.”