A U.S. travel advisory is warning against an Islamic uprising in Nigeria, declaring 16 states in the country as dangerous to Americans, NBC News reported.
The U.S. State Department released the warning on Jan. 8 and listed the following states as threatening: Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.
"The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Nigeria and recommends that U.S. citizens avoid all travel to Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states because of the May 14, 2013 state of emergency proclamation for those three states by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," the statement read.
"The security situation in the country remains fluid and unpredictable. The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens in Nigeria to consider their own personal security and to keep personal safety in the forefront of their planning. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning for Nigeria dated June 3, 2013."
The travel warning added that traveling in the Gulf of Guinea is also dangerous due to the threat of piracy.
Because of Nigeria's emergency proclamation, their government is given unlimited power to search and arrest anyone without a warrant.
"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," the department said.
A multitude of crimes on Americans are increasing, specifically by Boko Haram -- a terrorist organization -- and one of their splinter groups, Ansar, with little response by local law enforcement.
"Law enforcement authorities usually respond slowly or not at all and provide little or no investigative support to victims. U.S. citizens, other foreign nationals, and Nigerians have experienced harassment and shakedowns at checkpoints and during encounters with Nigerian law enforcement officials," the department added.
