US Department of State has authorised non-emergency US government employees and their family members to leave the US Embassy in Abuja, warning of a deteriorating security situation across the country.
The department in an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday, said from April 8, 2026, Americans are advised to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to high rate of crime, terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest.
The US 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 listed Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states as “Do Not Travel” areas, bringing the total to 23 states where travel is strongly discouraged.
According to the advisory, “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.”
The advisory added that Level 4 states U.S. citizens should avoid traveling to include, in the North, Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states, due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
It also listed Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, citing unrest, crime, and kidnapping.
The advisory further stated, “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 department, in Southern and Southeastern Nigeria, advised US citizens 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.
It 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.
The department further described health services in Nigeria as limited and inconsistent, with medical facilities generally not meeting U.S. or European standards.
However, the State Department urged U.S. citizens considering travel to Nigeria to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Programme for important updates, exercise caution while traveling, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and establish personal safety and “proof of life” protocols.
