U.S. Withdraws Embassy Staff From Abuja, Declares 23 Nigerian States 'Do Not Travel'

The US Department of State has ordered family members and non-essential employees to leave the country's Embassy in Abuja due to rising security concerns throughout Nigeria.

In a travel advisory released on Wednesday, the department urged Americans to reconsider travel to Nigeria starting April 8, 2026, citing rising crime, terrorism, kidnapping civil unrest, and limited healthcare services.

Nigeria is placed in the advisory's "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" category, while 23 states are now on the more stringent "Level 4: Do Not Travel" category. Newly added to the Level 4 list are Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states. They join other northern states already considered high-risk, including Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and parts of Adamawa, where terrorism and kidnapping threats remain severe.

Due to significant crime and instability, some states in the South were also warned. These include Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers State, with the advisory specifically excluding Port Harcourt from the highest risk category.
The U.S. government warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom are common, noting that American citizens are sometimes deliberately targeted. It also cautioned that terrorist attacks could occur without warning in crowded locations such as markets, places of worship, hotels, and public gatherings.

Concerns over Nigeria's healthcare system were also brought up in the recommendation, which stated that medical services are still inconsistent and frequently fall short of international norms.

It was suggested that Americans who intended to visit Nigeria sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and establish clear personal safety measures before and during their stay.