U.S. Orders Partial Embassy Evacuation in Nigeria Over Rising Security Threats

The United States has approved the evacuation of non-essential government staff and their families from its embassy in Abuja, pointing to a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.

This decision was announced by the United States Department of State, which also identified 23 Nigerian states as high-risk areas.

Concerns over insecurity in Nigeria have intensified in recent days, following a series of targeted attacks by gunmen that have claimed dozens of lives, particularly in Plateau, Benue, Borno, and other regions.

In a revised travel advisory released on Wednesday, the State Department stated that the directive took effect on April 8, 2026. It urged American citizens to reconsider traveling to Nigeria due to increasing threats such as crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and uneven healthcare standards.

Nigeria remains under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory, while 23 states have been escalated to the highest warning level — “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”

Newly added states under the “Do Not Travel” category include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba.

The advisory noted that several northern states — including Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, and Yobe, as well as parts of Adamawa — face severe risks from terrorism, armed violence, and kidnapping.

In the southern and southeastern regions, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (excluding Port Harcourt) were also flagged due to concerns about violent crime, kidnappings, and civil unrest.

According to the State Department, the security situation in these areas remains volatile and unpredictable, with frequent incidents of communal violence, armed banditry, and sudden security crackdowns.

It further warned that crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom are widespread, and that U.S. citizens may be specifically targeted because they are perceived as wealthy.

The department also cautioned that terrorist attacks could occur without warning in public places such as markets, shopping centres, hotels, places of worship, and large gatherings.

Additionally, it raised concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, describing medical services as limited and inconsistent, often falling below U.S. and European standards.

Americans who must travel to Nigeria were advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for timely updates, avoid protests and crowded areas, and adopt personal safety strategies, including establishing “proof of life” procedures.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to restoring stability nationwide. Speaking on Wednesday, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, dismissed claims that the country is nearing collapse.