The US State Department has authorized non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave the US Embassy in Abuja due to Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
This decision was made on April 8, 2026, citing concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The advisory also warned Americans to reconsider travel to Nigeria, with 23 states classified as “Do Not Travel” areas due to high risks of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
Though most of the overall risk indicators remained, Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states were added to the ‘Do not travel’ list.
The changes were made after recent attacks in some of the states.
On March 29, gunmen invaded the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, killing more than 20 residents and injuring several others. The attack coincided with the Christian celebration of Palm Sunday.
On Tuesday, gunmen reportedly killed at least 20 people in several communities in Niger state and scores in Kebbi.
Other states on the ‘Do not travel’ list include Borno, Kogi, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers.
Last November, the United Kingdom warned citizens against non-essential travel to 21 states in Nigeria including Niger, Plateau, and Kebbi.
