Noah Wulf, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The United States Department of State has authorised the departure of non-emergency staff and their families from the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a worsening security situation across Nigeria.
In a travel advisory issued on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the department also placed Nigeria on “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while designating 23 states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”
The move signals heightened concern by the US government over security threats, including terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime and civil unrest.
Partial evacuation ordered
According to the advisory, the decision affects non-essential personnel at the U.S. Embassy Abuja.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised 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 statement read.
The department warned American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria, citing risks such as crime, terrorism, kidnapping and the inconsistent availability of healthcare services.
23 states listed as high-risk
The advisory expanded the list of high-risk locations, adding Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba states, bringing the total number of “Do Not Travel” states to 23.
In the North, states flagged include Borno, Yobe and northern Adamawa, where terrorism risks remain high.
Others listed are Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau and Taraba, alongside Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara, due to a mix of violent crime, banditry and civil unrest.
The department warned that security conditions in these areas are “unstable and unpredictable,” noting that attacks and security operations could occur without prior notice.
South, Southeast also affected
In the southern region, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers states—excluding Port Harcourt—were also categorised as high-risk.
According to the advisory, these areas face widespread crime, including kidnapping, violent protests and activities of armed groups.
Rising threats, weak healthcare
The US government further warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping for ransom are prevalent across Nigeria, adding that foreigners—especially Americans—are often targeted.
It also noted that terrorist attacks remain a threat in public places such as markets, hotels, places of worship and large gatherings.
On healthcare, the department said medical services in Nigeria are limited and do not consistently meet international standards.
Safety advisory to citizens
The State Department advised US citizens who must travel to Nigeria to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program for real-time updates.
It also urged them to avoid large gatherings, maintain heightened situational awareness and establish personal safety plans, including “proof of life” measures in case of emergencies.
The latest advisory is expected to impact travel decisions and diplomatic operations, amid ongoing concerns over security challenges in various parts of the country.
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