By Gloria Nosa
The United States government has authorised the departure of non-essential personnel and their families from its embassy in Abuja following growing security concerns across Nigeria.
In a travel advisory released on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the US Department of State warned American citizens to exercise caution when planning trips to Nigeria, citing increasing risks linked to crime, terrorism, kidnappings, and civil unrest.
According to the advisory, Nigeria remains under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, while certain regions have been placed under the more severe “Level 4: Do Not Travel” category.
The latest update added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states to the high-risk list, bringing the total number of states under the strictest warning to 23.
The statement explained that the decision to allow embassy staff departures was taken due to worsening security conditions nationwide.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to depart U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory stated.
Northern states identified as high-risk areas include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa. The advisory also flagged Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara, citing concerns about armed violence, kidnappings, and civil unrest.
The department warned that these areas face unpredictable security challenges, including inter-communal violence, banditry, and sudden military operations.
In the southern and southeastern regions, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states—excluding Port Harcourt—were also placed under the “Do Not Travel” category due to rising cases of violent crime and kidnappings.
The advisory further noted that criminal activities such as armed robbery, carjacking, and ransom kidnappings remain widespread across parts of the country, adding that foreigners are often seen as lucrative targets.
It also cautioned that terrorist threats persist nationwide, particularly in crowded locations such as markets, shopping centres, hotels, religious centres, and large public gatherings.
Additionally, the US government raised concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, stating that medical services in many areas remain limited and may not meet international standards.
Despite the warnings, Americans who must travel to Nigeria were advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time security updates, avoid protests and large gatherings, and develop personal emergency and communication plans, including proof-of-life arrangements.
