Why US Embassy Asked Staff To Leave Nigeria

The United States Department of State has authorised non-emergency government employees and their families to depart the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, citing growing security concerns across Nigeria.

In an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the department warned that from April 8, 2026, Americans should reconsider travel to Nigeria due to rising threats linked to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

The advisory placed Nigeria under “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while designating several states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” the highest warning category. Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states 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 U.S. government employee family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory read.

“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some areas have increased risk,” it added.

Reasons Why US Embassy Asked Staff To Leave Nigeria

The decision by the United States Department of State is based on multiple escalating risks identified across different parts of the country.
The advisory highlighted that several northern states including Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa face severe threats from terrorism, kidnapping, and armed criminal activities.

It also listed Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara as high-risk areas due to ongoing unrest, widespread crime, and frequent kidnappings.

“The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain due to civil unrest. Widespread violence between communities and armed crime, including kidnapping and roadside banditry.

“Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning,” the advisory said.
In southern and southeastern regions, including Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (excluding Port Harcourt), the department warned of 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 added.

The department further noted that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom remain widespread, with U.S. citizens often targeted due to perceptions of wealth.

Additionally, it warned that terrorist attacks remain a nationwide threat, potentially occurring in public spaces such as markets, shopping centres, hotels, places of worship, and large gatherings.

Concerns over healthcare were also cited, with the advisory stating that medical services in Nigeria are limited and inconsistent, often falling below U.S. or European standards.

Despite the warning, the State Department advised U.S. citizens who must travel to Nigeria to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings, and establish personal safety measures, including “proof of life” protocols.