The US Department of State has authorised non-emergency US government employees and their family members to leave the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.
In an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the department noted that, starting April 8, 2026, Americans are advised to reconsider travel to the country due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The advisory classified the overall travel advisory for Nigeria as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while some states are at “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”
The department also added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states to the list of “Do Not Travel” areas, bringing the total to 23 states where travel is strongly discouraged.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory read.
“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some areas have increased risk,” it added.
Level 4 states that U.S. citizens are urged to avoid include, in the Northeast: Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states, due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
“The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain due to civil unrest. Widespread violence between communities and armed crime, including kidnapping and roadside banditry.
“Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning,” the advisory said.
In the Northwest, the advisory listed Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, citing unrest, crime, and kidnapping.
In Southern and Southeastern Nigeria, the department urged citizens to avoid Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (excluding Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and unrest.
“Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs,” the advisory added.
The advisory noted that violent crimes, including armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom, are widespread and U.S. citizens are perceived as wealthy and are frequent targets.
It said terrorist attacks remain a threat across the country, including at markets, shopping centers, hotels, places of worship, and public gatherings.
It further described health services in Nigeria as limited and inconsistent, with medical facilities generally not meeting U.S. or European standards.
The State Department, however, urged U.S. citizens considering travel to Nigeria to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for important updates, exercise caution while traveling, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and establish personal safety and “proof of life” protocol.
In a related development, the Federal Government described the recent United States travel advisory on Nigeria as unbalanced, urging international partners to provide more accurate and up-to-date assessments of the country’s security situation.
Reacting to the development, a spokesperson to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Rabiu Ibrahim, said the advisory did not fully reflect the security progress being made in the country.
“We encourage our international partners to continuously engage with Nigerian authorities to obtain a more comprehensive and current understanding of the situation on the ground,” Ibrahim wrote in a statement posted on X.
Responding to the advisory, the Federal Government said the decision by the US was a routine precautionary measure based on internal protocols rather than an accurate reflection of the country’s overall security situation.
According to the government, public institutions and economic activities remain fully operational across Nigeria.
“While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable,” Idris said.
He noted that ongoing military operations and intelligence-led interventions have continued to weaken criminal networks and armed groups operating in parts of the country.
“Our security agencies remain actively engaged in protecting lives and property, and the results of these efforts are increasingly evident,” he added.
The Information Minister also stressed that Nigeria remains open to travel, investment and international partnerships.
He said economic reforms introduced by the government are improving investor confidence and strengthening the country’s global standing.
According to Idris, international partners and investors continue to maintain strong engagement with Nigeria, reflecting confidence in the country’s stability and economic prospects.
“Nigeria remains open for business, travel and investment,” the minister said.
While acknowledging the right of countries to issue travel advisories for their citizens, the Federal Government urged international partners to ensure that such advisories reflect balanced and updated information.
“We encourage our international partners to continuously engage with Nigerian authorities to obtain a more comprehensive and current understanding of the situation on the ground,” Ibrahim stated.
