CRJ-900 Captain reported ATC failure to separate taxiway traffic resulted in evasive action taken and a critical ground conflict event.

Narrative

We landed on XXL for a visual approach with zero issues. During the rollout; Tower on XXX.XX told us; 'Take the next taxiway Taxiway 1; Taxiway 2 then contact Ground.' As I started to take the right turn towards Taxiway 1; all 3 of us being the Captain; First Officer; and jumpseater simultaneously pointed out another CRJ taxing the opposite direction on Taxiway 2 towards the west who would be directly in front of Taxiway 1 as we were turning off. I firmly pressed the brakes harder and came to a complete stop on Taxiway 1 to avoid the aircraft on Taxiway 2 going the opposite direction. The other CRJ continued past us as we were stopped. Shortly after we checked to make sure there were no more hazardous aircraft; we continued our taxi east on Taxiway 2 towards our gate. There were no other communications from Tower or Ground after. Cause: I believe the initial error occurred with ATC telling us we can turn right on Taxiway 1 then onto Taxiway 2 when there was an aircraft taxing on Taxiway 2 going the opposite direction that had not even passed Taxiway 1 yet. By the time we had come to a complete stop on Taxiway 1; the aircraft on Taxiway 2 had not even passed Taxiway 1 yet and would have 100% have been a collision if we did not stop. The other aircraft on Taxiway 2 did not seem like they were going to stop either.Suggestions: I need better communication with ATC in order to assure there is proper separation between us and other aircraft. Both us and ATC also need better situational awareness.