The United States Department of State has authorised the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, citing a worsening security situation across Nigeria.
In a travel advisory issued on April 8, 2026, the department urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and inconsistent healthcare services.
The advisory placed Nigeria under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, while designating several states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” indicating a higher level of risk.
According to the statement, Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states were newly added to the “Do Not Travel” category, bringing the total number of high-risk states to 23.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory stated.
The department listed states in northern Nigeria—including Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa—as high-risk areas due to terrorism, kidnapping, and criminal activity. Other states such as Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara were also flagged over concerns related to unrest and violent crime.
In the southern and southeastern regions, the advisory urged citizens to avoid Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (excluding Port Harcourt), citing risks of kidnapping, armed gangs, and violent protests.
The department warned that violent crimes—including armed robbery, carjacking, and ransom-related kidnappings—remain widespread, noting that U.S. citizens are often targeted due to perceived wealth.
It also highlighted the ongoing threat of terrorist attacks, which may occur in public places such as markets, shopping centres, hotels, places of worship, and large gatherings.
Additionally, the advisory pointed to limitations in Nigeria’s healthcare system, stating that medical facilities may not meet U.S. or European standards.
Despite the concerns, the State Department advised U.S. citizens who must travel to Nigeria to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and establish personal safety measures, including “proof of life” protocols.