U.S approves embassy staff departure from Nigeria citing security risks
The US Department of State has authorised non-emergency US government employees and their family members to leave the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria, AFP reported.
In an updated travel advisory, the department noted that, Americans are advised to reconsider travel to the country due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
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 department also added 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.
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.
‘Kidnappings and unrest’
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 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.
The State Department, however, urged US citizens 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.
ACTUAL PRESS RELEASE:
April 8, 2026
There were no changes to the Travel Advisory Level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations. Do not travel to Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, Taraba states were added.
TRAVEL ADVISORY – Nigeria
Level 3 – Reconsider Travel
C – Crime
T – Terrorism
U – Unrest
K – Kidnapping
H – Health
Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, northern Adamawa states due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping
Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to unrest, crime, and kidnapping
Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and unrest.
Advisory Summary
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.
Crime and Kidnapping
Violent crime is common throughout Nigeria. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape.
Kidnappings for ransom happen often.
They primarily target dual national citizens visiting Nigeria.
Americans are perceived as wealthy and are often targets of crime and kidnapping.
Kidnapping gangs have stopped drivers on interstate roads in order to rob and kidnap victims.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Nigeria.
Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach. They may attack with little or no warning, including:
Shopping centers and malls
Markets
Hotels
Places of worship
Restaurants and bars
Schools
Government buildings
Transportation hubs
Public places where crowds gather.
Unrest
Civil unrest and armed gangs are active in parts of Southern Nigeria. This is especially true in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed crime and gangs are common in the area. Crimes include kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services.
Violence can occur between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.
Unreliable health care
Americans should not expect the same level of health care to be available in Nigeria as they do in the United States:
Nigerian medical facilities are generally not equipped to U.S. or European standards.
Many medicines are not available. This includes common medications for diabetes or asthma.
Bring enough over the counter and prescription medicines to last your entire stay in Nigeria.
Make sure all your vaccinations are up to date. Consider getting boosters for yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and polio.
All visitors should take Malaria prophylaxis. Nigeria is high risk for Malaria.
Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem.
Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Most hospitals and doctors do not accept U.S. health insurance.
Emergency services like those in the United States or Europe do not exist.
Blood supply is often unreliable.
Ambulance services are unreliable, have poor equipment, and often do not have trained paramedics.
We strongly recommend getting traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling.
The Department of State does not pay medical bills for Americans overseas.
The U.S. government cannot offer emergency services to Americans in many areas of Nigeria due to the safety risks. Etc.
Go to their website to read more
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