The United States government has advised its citizens to avoid travel to 18 Nigerian states, citing severe threats including terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. The advisory was issued by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria and published on the official U.S. State Department website.

According to the notice, Nigeria as a whole presents “significant security risks,” prompting a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” classification for several regions—Level 4 being the highest risk category used by the U.S. government.

“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. Read the entire Travel Advisory,” the statement read.

States Americans Are Advised to Avoid

The warning divides the 18 states into three categories, based on specific threats:

Due to terrorism and kidnapping:

Borno

Yobe

Kogi

Northern Adamawa

Due to kidnapping:

Bauchi

Gombe

Kaduna

Kano

Katsina

Sokoto

Zamfara

Due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs:

Abia

Anambra

Bayelsa

Delta

Enugu

Imo

Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt)

Healthcare Warning Added to Security Concerns

Beyond violence-related threats, the U.S. government also expressed concerns over Nigeria’s healthcare system. The advisory emphasized the scarcity of common medications, the risk of counterfeit drugs, unreliable emergency services, and overall limited access to quality medical care.

“U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care to be available in Nigeria as they do in the United States,” the advisory warned.

Recommendations for American Travelers in Nigeria

Despite the stern caution, the advisory provided safety guidelines for those who must travel or currently reside in Nigeria. These include:

Bringing all essential medications and prescriptions

Getting fully vaccinated before travel

Securing comprehensive medical evacuation insurance

Having emergency backup plans

Avoiding large gatherings or political demonstrations

Carrying proper identification at all times

Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates and emergency alerts

The U.S. State Department regularly updates travel advisories as global security dynamics evolve. This latest caution reflects a worsening of security conditions in many parts of Nigeria, even as the country continues to navigate internal conflicts, economic reforms, and public health challenges.

Nigeria Reacts Cautiously to Ongoing Advisories

As of press time, Nigerian authorities have yet to issue an official response to the updated advisory. Previous reactions to similar warnings have seen the Nigerian government describe such notices as exaggerated or diplomatically insensitive, while also acknowledging the need to address issues of insecurity in the affected regions.

Saudi Arabia is mourning the loss of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as the “Sleeping Prince,” who passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025, after spending 20 years in a coma. He was 36 years old.

The confirmation came from his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who posted a heartfelt tribute on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle:

“Verily we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. May God forgive you, have mercy on you, and pardon you.”

The Tragic Beginning: A Promising Life Cut Short

Prince Al-Waleed, a young royal with a bright future, was only 15 years old when tragedy struck in 2005. While studying at a military academy in London, he was involved in a severe car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Though he survived the crash, he suffered a brain hemorrhage during surgery, which left him unconscious and unresponsive — a condition that persisted until his death.

Following the incident, the prince was flown to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained on life support for two decades. Despite receiving care from global medical experts, including neurologists and specialists flown in at the family’s request, the young royal never regained consciousness.

A Father’s Unshaken Faith and Devotion

Prince Khaled bin Talal, known for his deep faith and unwavering love, famously refused to withdraw life support for his son. He believed in the possibility of a miracle and continued to offer prayers and supplications, particularly during Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.

On June 18, 2025—the third day of Eid al-Adha—he visited his son with his other children and made a public plea for divine healing.

“My Lord, have mercy on my son, and do not leave him in pain or in this condition. I trust in Your wisdom and mercy,” Prince Khaled wrote in an emotional post on X.

The family occasionally reported slight movements such as finger twitches or hand gestures — which they saw as signs of hope, further fueling the father’s resolve to keep him alive.

Royal and Public Reaction

News of the prince’s death triggered a wave of condolences across the Kingdom and beyond. Royal family members, scholars, and citizens expressed their grief and support on social media platforms. Many highlighted the faith, love, and patience shown by Prince Khaled throughout his son’s prolonged condition.

Human rights advocate and cleric Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah noted:

“The prince’s endurance is a symbol of paternal devotion in the face of long-suffering. May Allah accept his patience as an act of worship.”

Final Goodbye: Funeral Held in Riyadh

Funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

Men’s prayer will take place after Asr at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, Riyadh.

Women’s prayer will be held after Dhuhr at King Faisal Specialist Hospital’s Mosque.

Legacy of the “Sleeping Prince”

Though Prince Al-Waleed lived most of his life unconscious, his story captured hearts worldwide. For many Saudis, he symbolized both the fragility of life and the strength of familial bonds. His father’s commitment to his care, in defiance of medical prognosis, brought spiritual and emotional dimensions to a medical tragedy.

His case also sparked international discourse on ethics of life support, Islamic perspectives on coma care, and the limits of modern medicine.

President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, has announced that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is now in effect, calling it a landmark achievement following days of hostilities. The agreement, which he called a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE,” marks the official end to what he referred to as “THE 12 DAY WAR.”

“THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT! DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!” the U.S. President declared via social media.

In a longer post, President Trump elaborated:

“CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!”

He added:

“Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World. During each CEASEFIRE, the other side will remain PEACEFUL and RESPECTFUL.”

“On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, ‘THE 12 DAY WAR.’ This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will! God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!”

Iran Responds with Conditions

While a senior Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that Iran had agreed to the U.S.-proposed, Qatar-mediated ceasefire, implementation remains uncertain. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran’s cooperation depends on Israeli restraint.

“No such agreement currently exists in binding terms,” Araghchi stated. “Iran has made it clear that any cessation of hostilities is contingent on Israel stopping its strikes.”

Uncertainty Over Implementation

Despite the announcement, hostilities reportedly continued in parts of the region. Military analysts warn that without synchronized withdrawal and neutral oversight, the ceasefire could unravel.

Observers stress that while President Trump’s announcement signals progress, mutual trust and verification remain key to a durable peace.