Non-emergency employees and their family members have been ordered to leave the US Embassy in Abuja
The US Department of State gave the order in an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday.
citing what it referred to as a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria, the Department said the order took effect from April 8, 2026, just as it told Americans to reconsider travel plans to Nigeria because of crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The advisory said the overall travel advisory for Nigeria is classified as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while some states are at “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”
The department said Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states are categorized to the list of “Do Not Travel” areas, 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 the 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 Americans are advised to avoid Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and Adamawa states, due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
Other states are Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, citing unrest, crime, and kidnapping.
The department said “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.
Other states to be avoided, according to the Department include Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (excluding Port Harcourt) due to kidnapping, and unrest.
“Crime is widespread in southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs,” adding that violent crimes, including armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom, are escalating and Americans perceived as wealthy are frequent targets.
It said terrorist attacks occur across the country at markets, shopping centers, hotels, places of worship, and public gatherings, adding that health services in Nigeria were limited and inconsistent, with medical facilities generally not up to U.S. or European standards.
The State Department, however, told American planning travel to Nigeria to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Programme for important updates, be cautious while traveling, and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, as well as establish personal safety and “proof of life” protocols.
