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US warns urges citizens to reconsider planned trip to Nigeria over kidnapping, poor healthcare
The US government has warned its citizens against travel to Nigeria over the unavailability of healthcare services, the increasing rate of kidnapping, terrorism, and armed gangs, among other crimes.
The US gave the travel advisory as part of its security review, which serves as a guide for travellers planning trips to Africa, with some countries flagged as high-risk zones.
Apart from Nigeria, the US also flagged 11 other African countries, including Somalia, Libya, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Chad, in its global travel advisory warning.
The advisory categorised countries into four levels, with Level Four “Do Not Travel” being the most severe, and Level Three “Reconsider Travel” indicating serious risk.
The US, in a statement by its Mission in Nigeria posted on its website, stated that all locations carry a significant security risk.
While citizens may still travel to Nigeria, the government, however, designated 18 states as the most severe and advised its citizens to avoid those states completely.
Among others, it advised its citizens to avoid Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping; Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping; and Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.
“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some places in Nigeria have an increased risk. Overall, all locations carry significant security risks.
“Violent crime is common in the country. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape.
“Kidnappings for ransom happen often. They primarily target dual national citizens visiting Nigeria and U.S. citizens perceived as wealthy. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads,” the statement partly read.
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A senior police officer attached to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, CSP Ebong Thompson, rejected a bribe of N800,000 offered in an attempt to secure the release of a suspected armed robber and cover up the crime.
The spokesperson of the command, Timfon John, in a statement said the incident occurred on Wednesday, 30th July, 2025.
According to her, the prime suspect, 53-year-old David Samuel Isaac, was arrested after a Samsung smartphone, reportedly stolen at gunpoint, was traced to him.
Investigations revealed that Isaac is a repeat offender, having previously been arrested and charged to court for a similar offence last year. He reportedly returned to criminal activity shortly after being released.
The second suspect, Emmanuel Mendie Peter, was apprehended at the SWAT office while attempting to offer the N800,000 bribe to secure Isaac’s release.
“A police officer in charge of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, CSP Ebong Thompson, rejected N800,000 bribe offered to him on Wednesday, July 30, 2025,” the statement read.
“The money was intended to secure the release of an armed robbery suspect and also cover up the crime. The suspect, 53-year-old David Samuel Isaac, was arrested after a Samsung phone that was gotten at gun point was traced to him.
“Isaac has a history of similar offences as he was arrested and charged to court for similar crimes sometime last year but returned to criminal activities after his release.
“The other suspect, Emmanuel Mendie Peter was arrested after he brought the bribe to the SWAT office to secure the release of the main suspect. He was taken into custody after the offer was rejected.
“All officers concerned with this discreet investigation received a commendation letter from the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare.
“The CP, while addressing officers at the end of the month briefing, charged them to emulate the Distinguished officers.
“Members of the public are therefore warned to desist from compromising police investigation.”
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President Bola Tinubu has called on young Nigerians active in the digital media space to harness their platforms as instruments of national unity.
Speaking at the opening of the Progressives Digital Media Summit, themed ‘Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development,’ the President emphasised the importance of verifying information before amplifying it.
He urged the youth to serve as positive catalysts for societal development by building businesses that create employment and producing content that reflects unifying values.
“I urge you to continue using digital platforms to advance our nation’s progress. Build businesses that employ others. Create content that uplifts and unites. Use your influence to foster unity, not division.
Your generation has recognised this moment. You are using digital tools to innovate, educate, and demand accountability. But as your influence grows, so must our collective sense of purpose and responsibility” President Tinubu was quoted as saying in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga
The President commended the creativity and resilience of Nigeria’s youth, describing digital media as a driving force of economic and social transformation, rather than a mere accessory to life.
‘’From developing innovative platforms to building vibrant online communities, you are demonstrating the determination that is redefining what is possible for this country.
You are not waiting for the future; you are building it. Digital media is now a central driver of economic growth, civic engagement, and social change. It broadens representation for those previously unheard.”
The President, however, said his administration is committed to supporting digital innovation through the National Digital Innovation Fund and policies that promote a thriving startup ecosystem.
He also warned practitioners to remain vigilant against disinformation and cyber threats.
The summit convener, Segun Dada, said that in less than a decade, digital media had evolved from a tool of personal connection into a powerful engine for communication, innovation, and influence.
Dada, who is also the Special Assistant to the President on New Media, stressed the importance of harnessing this force for Nigeria’s good while managing inherent risks such as privacy concerns and threats to social cohesion.
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A grieving mother has opened up about the heartbreaking loss of her newborn baby due to complications worsened by her church’s strict doctrine against medical care.
In a now-viral narration, the lady explained that she was born into a church that forbids the use of medicine, medical intervention, or even routine hospital visits. Growing up under this belief, she never questioned it—until she got pregnant.
She shared that she refused antenatal care, took no multivitamins, and avoided the hospital completely because of her church’s teachings. But in her third trimester, she began to feel weak and sick.
Eventually, she defied her family and visited a doctor secretly, only to be diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication that required urgent hospitalization. When she informed her husband, he was furious she had gone against the church’s teachings. Her family and in-laws backed him, urging her to “have faith.”
Things took a turn for the worse when she fell unconscious one night. She was rushed to the hospital where doctors insisted on emergency surgery (C-section) due to her dangerously high blood pressure. Her husband initially refused medication but eventually allowed the procedure—though not without blame.
Tragically, her baby was born with multiple complications and had to be placed in NICU. After one month, the baby passed away.
Now, she says her husband and his family blame her for the loss, claiming it was due to her “lack of faith.” She, on the other hand, is questioning everything she was raised to believe and says she’s done with the church that cost her child’s life.
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