The United States Department of State has directed non-essential staff and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy Abuja over worsening security concerns across Nigeria.
In a travel advisory released on Wednesday, the department urged Americans to reconsider travel to Nigeria starting April 8, 2026, citing rising crime, t+rrorism, k#dnapping, civil unrest, and limited healthcare services.
The advisory places Nigeria at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while 23 states have now been classified under the stricter “Level 4: Do Not Travel” category. Newly added to the Level 4 list are Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states.
They join other northern states already considered high-risk, including Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and parts of Adamawa, where t+rrorism and k#dnapping thr+ats remain severe. Several southern states were also flagged due to widespread crime and unrest.
These include Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers State, with the advisory specifically excluding Port Harcourt from the highest risk category. The U.S. government warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and k#dnapping for ransom are common, noting that American citizens are sometimes deliberately targeted.
It also cautioned that t+rrorist att@cks could occur without warning in crowded locations such as markets, places of worship, hotels, and public gatherings. In addition, the advisory highlighted concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, stating that medical services remain inconsistent and often fall below international standards.
Americans planning to travel to Nigeria were advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and establish clear personal safety measures before and during their stay.
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