U.S. issues fresh travel warning on Nigeria, orders partial evacuation of staff

The U.S. Department of State has authorised the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their families from its embassy in Abuja, citing a worsening security environment across Nigeria.

The move was announced in an updated travel advisory released on Wednesday, which warned American citizens to reconsider travel to the country due to rising concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

According to the advisory, effective April 8, 2026, Nigeria remains under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, while several states have been escalated to the highest alert level, “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”

The State Department said it had added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states to the high-risk category, bringing the total number of states under the “Do Not Travel” designation to 23.

It warned that the security situation in many of these areas remains volatile and unpredictable, driven by a mix of terrorism, armed banditry, and communal violence.

In the Northeast, states such as Borno, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa were highlighted for persistent terrorist threats, while in the Northwest, states including Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara were flagged for widespread kidnapping and armed criminal activity.

The advisory also listed parts of Northcentral Nigeria, including Kogi, Niger, Plateau, and Kwara states, citing growing insecurity linked to violent crime and civil unrest.

In the southern and southeastern regions, the department urged Americans to avoid non-essential travel to Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states, excluding Port Harcourt, due to escalating risks of kidnapping, armed gangs, and violent protests.

“Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria,” the advisory noted, adding that foreigners, particularly U.S. citizens, are often perceived as high-value targets for ransom operations.

The department warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping remain prevalent across the country.

It also raised concerns about the continued threat of terrorist attacks in public spaces, including markets, shopping centres, hotels, places of worship, and large gatherings.

“Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning,” the advisory stated, underscoring the unpredictability of the situation.

Beyond security risks, the State Department pointed to limitations in Nigeria’s healthcare system, describing medical services as inconsistent and often below U.S. or European standards.

This, it said, could pose additional risks for travellers requiring urgent care.

Despite the heightened warnings, the department advised U.S. citizens who must travel to Nigeria to take precautionary measures, including enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates and emergency assistance.

Travellers were also urged to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, maintain heightened situational awareness, and establish personal safety protocols, including “proof of life” measures in case of emergencies.