US Approves Embassy Staff Departure from Nigeria Over Rising Security Risks

The U.S. Department of State has authorised the departure of non-essential staff from the U.S. Embassy Abuja due to worsening security in Nigeria. It also issued a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory, placing 23 states under “Do Not Travel” because of crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and unrest, while warning that healthcare services remain limited

The U.S. Department of State has authorised the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their family members from the U.S. Embassy Abuja, citing a worsening security environment across Nigeria. This decision reflects growing concerns over safety risks affecting both officials and private citizens in various parts of the country.
In an updated travel advisory released on Wednesday, the department stated that beginning April 8, 2026, American citizens are strongly advised to reconsider travel to Nigeria. The warning is based on persistent threats including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. The country’s overall advisory level has been placed at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while several states fall under the more severe “Level 4: Do Not Travel” category, indicating extremely dangerous conditions.
As part of the update, Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states were newly added to the list of high-risk areas, increasing the total number of states under the strict “Do Not Travel” warning to 23. These areas are considered particularly volatile due to a combination of security threats and limited government control in some regions.
According to the advisory, the security situation remains highly unpredictable. In northern Nigeria, states such as Borno, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa continue to face terrorism-related threats, while others including Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kano are affected by banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence. The department warned that security operations aimed at addressing these threats may occur suddenly and without prior notice, increasing risks for residents and visitors alike.
The advisory also highlighted widespread instability marked by clashes between communities, armed criminal activity, and roadside attacks. These conditions contribute to an environment where personal safety cannot be guaranteed, especially for foreigners who may be specifically targeted.
In southern and southeastern Nigeria, states such as Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) were identified as high-risk areas due to crime, kidnapping, and civil unrest. The report noted that criminal activities in these regions are prevalent, with incidents involving armed robbery, carjacking, and abductions for ransom occurring frequently. Violent protests and the presence of armed groups further heighten the level of danger.
The department emphasized that U.S. citizens are often perceived as wealthy, making them attractive targets for criminal elements. It also warned that terrorist attacks remain a nationwide threat, with potential targets including markets, shopping centres, hotels, places of worship, and large public gatherings.
In addition to security concerns, the advisory pointed to challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare system, describing medical services as limited and inconsistent. Many facilities, it noted, do not meet the standards commonly found in the United States or Europe, which could pose additional risks in emergency situations.
Despite the warning, the department advised Americans who must travel to Nigeria to take precautionary measures. These include enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates, maintaining heightened situational awareness, avoiding protests and crowded events, and establishing personal safety measures such as emergency communication plans and “proof of life” protocols in case of kidnapping.