The United States Department of State has ordered the departure of non-essential staff and family members from its embassy in Abuja, citing deteriorating security conditions across Nigeria.
In a travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the department urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria effective April 8, 2026, warning of heightened risks including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and limited access to healthcare services.
The advisory places Nigeria under “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while designating 23 states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” the highest risk category.
Among the newly added states to the Level 4 list are Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba. These join previously listed high-risk areas such as Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and parts of Adamawa State, particularly in the north, where terrorist activities and abductions remain prevalent.
In the southern region, states including Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers—excluding Port Harcourt—were also flagged due to widespread incidents of crime and civil unrest.
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The partial evacuation of embassy personnel underscores growing international concern over Nigeria’s security landscape, particularly as incidents of banditry, insurgency, and communal violence continue to affect multiple regions.
While the U.S. government did not announce a full closure of its diplomatic mission, the move signals a significant escalation in precautionary measures aimed at safeguarding its citizens and staff in the country.
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