The United States has ordered non-emergency personnel and their families to depart its embassy in Abuja, citing a sharp decline in Nigeria’s security situation.
In a travel advisory published on Wednesday, the U.S. Department of State confirmed that the decision, made on April 8, 2026, followed a formal assessment of risks across the country. It highlighted threats including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent healthcare access.
Nigeria retains a Level 3 travel advisory, urging Americans to reconsider travel. Several states have been elevated to Level 4, meaning travel should be avoided entirely.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory read.
The warning listed high-risk areas across northern, central, and southern Nigeria, citing terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, carjacking, and hostage-taking. Kidnapping for ransom remains frequent, often targeting foreigners and dual nationals.
“Terrorist groups such as Boko Haram continue to plan and execute attacks, sometimes collaborating with criminal gangs,” the advisory noted. Potential targets include markets, shopping centres, schools, places of worship, government buildings, and transport hubs.
Civil unrest persists in parts of southern Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta and Southeast, driven by armed groups and protests. Healthcare challenges—limited medicines, unreliable emergency services, and upfront payment requirements—were also flagged.
The U.S. government warned of its limited ability to assist citizens in high-risk zones, urging Americans to avoid such areas entirely.
The move follows a December 2025 directive placing Nigeria on a partial travel restriction list under a presidential proclamation tightening border controls. That decision cited extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State, as well as visa overstay data showing Nigerian nationals recorded a 5.56% overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visas and 11.90% for student and exchange visas.
Restrictions apply to B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visa categories, though diplomats and existing visa holders are exempt.
