The US Department of State has told non-emergency government workers and their families to leave its embassy in Abuja because the security situation in Nigeria is getting worse.
The department’s latest travel advisory from yesterday noted that the order went into force on April 8, 2026. It told Americans to think twice about going to the country because of increased worries about crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil upheaval, and unreliable healthcare services.
Nigeria is still on a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” alert, while 23 states are on the highest warning level, “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”
Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba are now on the “Do Not Travel” list.
The alert says that northern states that are under the Level 4 warning include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa. This is because of terrorism, armed crime, and kidnapping.
Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states, except for Port Harcourt, were also on the list because of worries about violent crime, abduction, and civil upheaval in the South and Southeast.
The State Department observed, “The security situation in these areas remains unstable and unpredictable.” They pointed out that there are often communal conflicts, armed banditry, and sudden security operations.
It further said that violent crimes like armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom are common, and that Americans are often targeted because they are thought to be wealthy.
The department also said that terrorist strikes could happen at any time in public venues like markets, retail malls, hotels, places of worship, and big events.
It also raised more worries about Nigeria’s healthcare system, saying that medical services are limited and unreliable, and that they typically don’t meet U.S. or European standards.
The State Department told Americans who have to go to Nigeria to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get real-time updates, stay away from protests and crowded places, and make sure they are secure by following “proof of life” rules.
About the Author
