*Orders American Staff To Leave Embassy
THE United States (US) Department of State has advised non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave the embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security situation in Nigeria.
The Department, in an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday, April 8, advised Americans to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest.
It classified the overall travel advisory for Nigeria as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while some states were at “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” including Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba, thereby discouraging travels to 23, out of Nigeria’s 36 and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The advisory stated: “On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised 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 listed Level 4 states to avoid as Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Adamawa, as well as Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states, citing unrest, crime and kidnapping.
According to it: “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.”
It also urged Americans to avoid Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers states (excluding Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping and unrest, adding: “Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs.”
The advisory said violent crimes, including armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping for ransom, are widespread and Americans are perceived as wealthy and are frequent targets, noting that terrorist attacks remain a threat across the country, including at markets, shopping centers, hotels, places of worship and public gatherings.
While describing health services in Nigeria as limited and inconsistent, with medical facilities generally not meeting US or European standards, it, however, urged Americans 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” protocols.
It was not clear when the affected staff will be departing the country, and if advisory affects only American staff or includes Nigerians and other citizens working in the embassy.
