The United States government has directed non-essential personnel and their families to depart its embassy in Abuja, raising fresh concerns over Nigeria’s security landscape.
In a revised travel advisory released on Wednesday, the United States Department of State said the move takes effect from April 8, 2026, as part of precautionary measures in response to worsening security conditions across the country.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory read.
The updated guidance places Nigeria under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, while identifying several states under the stricter “Level 4: Do Not Travel” category due to heightened risks.
“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some areas have increased risk,” it added.
Five additional states—Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba—were newly included in the highest-risk category, bringing the total number of “Do Not Travel” states to 23.
According to the advisory, northern states such as Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and parts of Adamawa were flagged over terrorism and kidnapping threats, alongside others including Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara, where civil unrest and violent crime remain prevalent.
“The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain due to civil unrest. Widespread violence between communities and armed crime, including kidnapping and roadside banditry.
“Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning,” the advisory said.
In the southern and southeastern regions, the State Department listed Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states—excluding Port Harcourt—as areas to avoid due to rising cases of crime, kidnappings, and unrest.
“Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs,” the advisory added.
The US government also warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and ransom kidnappings are common, noting that American citizens are often targeted because they are perceived as wealthy.
It further cautioned that terrorist threats persist nationwide, potentially affecting crowded locations including markets, hotels, places of worship, and public events.
In addition to security concerns, the advisory highlighted challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare system, describing medical services as inconsistent and below the standards obtainable in the United States and Europe.
Despite the warnings, the department advised Americans who must travel to Nigeria to take precautionary measures, including enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for real-time updates, avoiding large gatherings, and establishing personal safety plans, including “proof of life” arrangements.
