The U.S. Department of State has directed non-emergency American personnel and their families to leave the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, citing a worsening security situation across Nigeria.
In its latest travel advisory issued Wednesday, the department urged Americans to reconsider traveling to Nigeria due to high risks of crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. The country’s overall advisory level is Level 3: Reconsider Travel, with 23 states designated Level 4: Do Not Travel, signaling extreme caution.
Newly added states include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba, bringing attention to areas increasingly affected by security threats.
On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families to leave Abuja due to deteriorating security,” the advisory stated.
Travelers should reconsider visiting Nigeria due to widespread crime, terrorism, unrest, and inconsistent health care availability.
Northeast: Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, northern Adamawa – terrorism, kidnapping, and armed crime.
Northwest: Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara – unrest, kidnapping, and violent crime.
South & Southeast: Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) – widespread crime, civil unrest, and high kidnapping risk.
The advisory highlights that violent crime is pervasive across the country. U.S. citizens, often viewed as affluent, are frequent targets for robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping. Terrorist attacks remain a persistent threat, including in public spaces such as markets, hotels, places of worship, and crowded events.
Healthcare in Nigeria is described as limited and inconsistent, with many facilities falling below U.S. and European standards. Americans planning to travel are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and implement personal safety protocols.
