US Orders Non-Emergency Staff to Leave Abuja, Flags 23 States as Off-Limits
On April 8, 2026 the US Department of State authorised non-emergency US government employees and their families to depart the US Embassy in Abuja. This move follows a worsening security environment across Nigeria. Americans are now advised to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest. The overall advisory level for Nigeria is “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while 23 states have been designated “Level 4: Do Not Travel.” Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba were recently added to the high-risk list. In the North, US citizens should avoid Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Adamawa due to terrorism and kidnapping. Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara are also flagged for violent unrest and armed crime. In the South and Southeast, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) are off-limits because of widespread crime and unrest. The advisory warns of frequent armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping for ransom and potential terrorist attacks at public venues. It also flags inconsistent health care standards. US citizens are urged to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, avoid demonstrations, maintain personal safety protocols and stay alert at all times.
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