Insecurity: US directs staff to leave Abuja embassy, lists 23 states as ‘Do Not Travel’ across Nigeria

*The United States’ Department of State, in a updated advisory, authorises non-emergency US Government employees, and their family members to leave the US Embassy, in Abuja, and reconsider travel to the country due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Citing a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria, the United States (US) Department of State has authorised non-emergency US Government employees, and their family members to leave the US Embassy in Abuja, FCT.

The US Government, in an updated travel advisory issued Wednesday, April 9, 2026, indicated that starting April 8 this year, Americans are advised to reconsider travel to the country due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

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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 US Department of State also listed 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.

The advisory further 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.

“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some areas have increased risk.”

Level 4 states that U.S. citizens are urged to avoid include, in the North, Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states, due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.

The advisory further named Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, citing unrest, crime, and kidnapping.

It noted: “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.”

Likewise, 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.

The US Government advisory stated: “Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs.”

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 Traveller Enrollment Program for important updates, exercise caution while traveling, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and establish personal safety and “proof of life” protocols.

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