US AUTHORIZES PARTIAL EVACUATION OF EMBASSY STAFF, ISSUES FRESH TRAVEL WARNING ON NIGERIA
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The United States Department of State has authorised the departure of non-emergency government employees and their family members from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.
In an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the department announced that, effective April 8, 2026, American citizens are advised to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to rising concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The advisory classified Nigeria under “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while designating several states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” the highest risk category. Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba were newly added to the restricted list, bringing the total number of high-risk states to 23.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the statement read.
In the Northeast, states including Borno, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa were flagged due to terrorism, violent crime, and kidnapping. The advisory warned that the situation in these areas remains unstable, with risks of communal violence, roadside banditry, and unpredictable security operations.
Similarly, Northwestern states such as Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe were listed over concerns related to unrest, crime, and abductions.
In the South and Southeast, the department urged citizens to avoid Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states—excluding Port Harcourt—citing high levels of crime, kidnapping, and violent protests.
“Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs,” the advisory noted.
The department further warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom are prevalent across the country, adding that U.S. citizens are often targeted due to perceptions of wealth.
It also highlighted the persistent threat of terrorist attacks, which could occur in public spaces including markets, shopping centres, hotels, places of worship, and large gatherings.
Additionally, the advisory raised concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, describing medical services as limited and inconsistent, with facilities generally falling below U.S. and European standards.
The State Department advised U.S. citizens who must travel to Nigeria to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates, avoid demonstrations and large crowds, exercise heightened caution, and establish personal safety and emergency communication plans.
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