The United States Department of State has ordered non-emergency embassy staff and their families to leave Nigeria, citing rising security risks across the country.
The decision was announced in a travel advisory issued on April 8, 2026. The department also warned Americans to “reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services.”
It maintained Nigeria at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” but expanded its highest warning level to cover 23 states under a “Do Not Travel” advisory.
It said “some areas have increased risk” as insecurity continues in parts of the country.
The updated list now includes Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states, alongside several others already under the warning.
States in the North East and North West such as Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi, and Gombe were flagged due to terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
In the South East and South South, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) were also listed because of crime, kidnapping, and unrest.
The department warned: “Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs.”
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It added that violent crime remains common across the country, including armed robbery, carjacking, assault, and kidnapping for ransom.
According to the advisory, Americans are often targeted because they are seen as wealthy.
It also warned that terrorist attacks can happen without warning in places such as markets, hotels, schools, places of worship, and transport hubs.
The State Department confirmed the embassy evacuation decision, stating: “On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation.”
It further raised concerns about Nigeria’s health system, saying hospitals are often below U.S. standards and essential medicines may be limited.
The advisory also noted risks from counterfeit drugs and unreliable emergency services.
It advised Americans to stay alert, avoid large gatherings, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for updates and safety alerts.