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The United States government has ordered non-essential personnel and their families to leave its embassy in Abuja, raising new concerns about Nigeria’s security situation.
In a revised travel advisory released on Wednesday, the United States Department of State said the move would take effect April 8, 2026, as part of precautionary measures in response to deteriorating security conditions across the country.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State permitted non-emergency US government employees and family members of US government employees to leave the US Embassy in Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory read.
The updated guidance places Nigeria at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, and identifies several states in the more stringent “Level 4: Do Not Travel” category due to increased risks.
“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping and inconsistent availability of health services. Some areas have increased risks,” he added.
Five additional states—Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba—were newly placed in the highest risk category, bringing the total number of “Do Not Travel” states to 23.
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According to the alert, northern states such as Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and parts of Adamawa are flagged for the threat of terrorism and kidnapping, along with other states 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 can occur without warning,” the advisory said.
In the south and southeast, the US Department of State lists Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states—excluding Port Harcourt—as areas to avoid due to increased cases of crime, kidnapping, and unrest.
“Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnappings, violent protests and armed gangs,” the advisory added.
The US government also warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping for ransom were common, noting that American citizens were often targeted because they were perceived to be wealthy.
They further warned that the terrorist threat still exists across the country, and has the potential to affect busy locations including markets, hotels, places of worship, and public events.
In addition to security concerns, the advisory also highlights challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, describing inconsistent and substandard medical services available in the United States and Europe.
Despite the warnings, the department advised Americans who must travel to Nigeria to take precautions, including enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get real-time updates, avoiding large gatherings, and creating a personal safety plan, including “proof-of-life” arrangements.
