The United States Department of State has authorised the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their families from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security concerns across Nigeria.
The move was announced in an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday, in which the department warned American citizens to reconsider travelling to the country due to rising threats from crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
Under the advisory, Nigeria remains under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, while several states have been placed under the stricter “Level 4: Do Not Travel” category.
The State Department recently added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba to the list of high-risk states, bringing the total number of Nigerian states under the Level 4 warning to 23.
According to the department, the decision to allow some embassy staff and their family members to leave Abuja was taken in response to the deteriorating security situation in parts of the country.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to depart the U.S. Embassy in Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory said.
The department noted that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom remain widespread across Nigeria, adding that foreigners are often targeted because they are perceived as wealthy.
Several northern states were placed under the Level 4 advisory due to threats linked to terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. These include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa.
Other states listed are Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara, where the advisory cited ongoing civil unrest, criminal violence, and frequent abductions.
“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, occur regularly,” the statement noted.
It also warned that security operations aimed at addressing these threats could take place without prior notice.
In the southern and southeastern parts of the country, the State Department urged Americans to avoid Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states, excluding Port Harcourt, citing concerns over crime, kidnapping, and violent protests.
The advisory further warned that terrorist attacks remain a threat nationwide and could occur in locations such as markets, shopping centres, hotels, places of worship, and other public gathering points.
The department also highlighted concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, stating that medical facilities in many areas are limited and may not meet U.S. or European standards.
Despite the warnings, the State Department advised Americans who must travel to Nigeria to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and alerts.
It also urged travellers to remain cautious, avoid demonstrations and large crowds, and establish personal safety measures, including “proof of life” protocols in the event of kidnapping.
Leave a Reply