By our Reporter
The United States Department of State has directed non-essential staff and family members to depart its embassy in Abuja amid escalating security concerns across Nigeria.
In a travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the department urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria from April 8, 2026, citing rising incidents of crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and limited access to quality healthcare.
Nigeria was placed under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, while 23 states were designated as “Level 4: Do Not Travel” zones due to heightened security risks.
Among the states newly added to the highest risk category are Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba. They join other northern states already considered volatile, including Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and parts of Adamawa, where threats linked to terrorism and kidnapping persist.
The advisory also identified several southern states as high-risk due to widespread criminal activity and unrest. These include Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers, although Port Harcourt was excluded from the strictest classification.
The U.S. government warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom remain prevalent, noting that foreign nationals, including Americans, may be deliberately targeted.
It further cautioned that terrorist attacks could occur without warning, particularly in crowded locations such as markets, places of worship, hotels, and public events.
The advisory also raised concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, describing medical services as inconsistent and often below international standards.
Americans planning to visit Nigeria were advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), avoid large gatherings and protests, and adopt robust personal security measures before and during their stay.
