The United States Department of State has authorized the departure of nonessential government personnel and their families from its embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security environment across Nigeria.
In a revised travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the department said the directive took effect on April 8, 2026, urging American citizens to reconsider traveling to the country due to escalating risks such as crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and uneven healthcare standards.
Nigeria remains under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, while 23 states have been designated under the highest alert, “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”
Newly added states to the Level 4 category include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba.
The advisory noted that several northern states — including Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, and Yobe, as well as parts of Adamawa — face heightened threats from terrorism, armed violence, and kidnapping.
In the southern and southeastern regions, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states—except for Port Harcourt—were also flagged over persistent concerns about violent crime, abductions, and civil unrest.
“The security situation in these areas remains unstable and unpredictable,” the State Department said, pointing to recurring incidents of communal clashes, armed banditry, and abrupt security operations.
It further warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and ransom kidnappings are widespread, adding that U.S. citizens are often targeted due to perceived affluence.
The department also cautioned that terrorist attacks could occur without warning in public spaces such as markets, malls, hotels, places of worship, and large gatherings.
Additionally, it raised concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, describing medical services as limited and inconsistent, often below U.S. or European standards.
Americans who must travel to Nigeria were advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time alerts, avoid protests and crowded areas, and adopt strict personal safety measures, including establishing “proof of life” protocols.
