The US Department of State has authorized non-emergency US government personnel and their families to leave the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation throughout Nigeria.
In an updated travel advisory released on Wednesday, the government stated that from April 8, 2026, Americans should reconsider travel to the country owing to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil upheaval.
The alert classed Nigeria’s overall travel advisory as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” with select states at “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”
The administration also added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states to the “Do Not Travel” list, bringing the total to 23 states where travel is strongly discouraged.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized 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 added.
Level 4 states that US 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 also listed Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, citing unrest, crime, and kidnapping.
“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,” the advisory said.
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.
“Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs,” the advisory added.
The advise stated that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom are common, and that US people are seen as wealthy and so frequent targets.
It stated that terrorist attacks continue to be a threat throughout the country, including markets, retail malls, hotels, places of worship, and public gatherings.
It went on to describe Nigeria’s health services as limited and inconsistent, with medical facilities failing to reach US or European standards.
The State Department, on the other hand, recommended US individuals planning a trip to Nigeria to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for vital updates, to travel with prudence, to avoid demonstrations and big gatherings, and to develop personal safety and “proof of life” measures.
