The United States has ordered non-emergency embassy personnel and their families to leave its mission in Abuja over rising security concerns.
The disclosure was made by the U.S. Department of State in a travel advisory published on its official website on Wednesday.
The Department confirmed it has authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from its Abuja mission, citing a deteriorating security environment.
It also maintained Nigeria’s Level 3 travel advisory status, urging Americans to exercise caution.
Several states were additionally classified under the stricter Level 4 advisory, indicating areas where travel should be avoided entirely.
The U.S. Department of State stated that it took the decision on April 8, 2026, following an assessment of the security situation in Nigeria. The advisory emphasized the risks posed by crime, terrorism, and civil unrest across multiple regions of the country.
The Department listed several high-risk states across northern, central, and southern Nigeria, citing threats such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime, reinforcing its warning to avoid travel to designated areas.
The advisory highlighted that violent crime remains widespread in Nigeria, including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, and hostage-taking. It noted that kidnapping for ransom is frequent and often targets foreigners and dual nationals.
Healthcare challenges were also flagged, including limited access to medicines, unreliable emergency services, and upfront payment requirements.
The Department further warned that the U.S. government may have limited capacity to assist citizens in certain high-risk areas, urging Americans to avoid such locations entirely.
The latest advisory follows a series of recent warnings issued by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria regarding security concerns. Earlier alerts had pointed to possible protests and terrorist threats targeting U.S.-linked locations.
Citizens were urged to remain vigilant, avoid predictable routines, and review personal security measures.
These developments underscore a pattern of heightened caution by U.S. authorities regarding the safety of their citizens in Nigeria.
In December 2025, the United States placed Nigeria on a list of countries facing partial travel restrictions under a presidential proclamation aimed at tightening border controls. The decision was based on security assessments and immigration compliance data.
While Nigeria is not under a full travel ban, the restrictions signal increased scrutiny for visa applicants, potentially leading to longer processing times and higher rejection rates for Nigerians seeking entry into the United States.