US orders non-essential embassy staff to leave Nigeria over insecurity

The United States Department of State has directed non-essential staff and family members to depart its embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security conditions in Nigeria.

 

In a travel advisory issued Wednesday, the department urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria from April 8, 2026, due to concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and limited healthcare services.

 

The advisory places Nigeria on “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” with 23 states now classified under the more severe “Level 4: Do Not Travel” category.

 

States newly added to the Level 4 list include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba, alongside others such as Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and parts of Adamawa, where terrorism and kidnapping risks remain high.

 

Several southern states, including Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers—excluding Port Harcourt—were also flagged due to high levels of crime and civil unrest.

 

The advisory warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom are prevalent, with foreign nationals, including Americans, often targeted.

 

It also cautioned that terrorist attacks could occur in public places such as markets, places of worship, hotels, and large gatherings.

 

Additionally, the department noted that healthcare services in some parts of the country remain inconsistent and below international standards.

 

Americans planning to travel to Nigeria have been advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, avoid large gatherings, and establish personal safety measures.