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The U.S. Department of State has authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to depart the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.
In a travel advisory issued on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the department advised Americans to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The advisory placed Nigeria under “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while designating some states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”
It also added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states to the list of “Do Not Travel” areas, bringing the total number of high-risk states to 23.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory stated.
“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some areas have increased risk,” it added.
States listed under Level 4 in northern Nigeria include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern parts of Adamawa, due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
The advisory also flagged 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. There is widespread violence between communities and armed crime, including kidnapping and roadside banditry.
“Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning,” the advisory noted.
In southern and southeastern Nigeria, U.S. citizens were advised 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 department further warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom are common, noting that U.S. citizens are often perceived as wealthy and may be targeted.
It added that terrorist attacks remain a threat nationwide, including at markets, shopping centres, hotels, places of worship, and public gatherings.
The advisory also described healthcare 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 Program (STEP) for updates, exercise caution, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and establish personal safety and “proof of life” protocols.
