US Embassy Flags 23 Nigerian States as High-Risk, Evacuates Staff From Abuja

The United States Department of State has authorised the departure of non-essential personnel and their families from the United States Embassy Abuja over worsening security concerns in Nigeria.

 

This directive was contained in a revised travel advisory released on Wednesday, warning American citizens to reconsider travelling to Nigeria due to rising cases of crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

 

According to the advisory, Nigeria remains under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, while several states have been placed under the stricter “Level 4: Do Not Travel” category.

The department said five additional states,Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba, have now been included in the high-risk category, bringing the total number of affected states to 23.

It noted that the decision, which took effect from April 8, 2026, followed a review of the country’s deteriorating security situation, prompting precautionary measures for US government staff and their dependants.

The advisory listed Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa in the North as areas to avoid due to terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime.

Other states, including Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara, were also flagged over persistent unrest, criminal activities, and abductions.

In the South and South-East, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states, excluding Port Harcourt, were categorised as high-risk locations due to widespread crime, kidnapping, and violent disturbances.

The department warned that security conditions across these regions remain unpredictable, with incidents of communal clashes, armed banditry, and sudden security operations.

It further stated that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and ransom-driven kidnappings are prevalent, adding that foreign nationals, particularly Americans, are often targeted.

The advisory also highlighted the continued threat of terrorist attacks in public places, including markets, hotels, places of worship, and large gatherings.

It raised concerns over Nigeria’s healthcare system, describing medical services as inconsistent and below international standards in many areas.

Despite the warning, the department advised Americans who must travel to Nigeria to enrol in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Programme, remain vigilant, avoid protests, and establish personal safety measures, including emergency communication plans.