₦airaland Forum

US orders staff to leave Nigeria embassy, lists 23 states as ‘Do Not Travel’
April 8, 2026 11:34 pm
Us travel advisory
By Saheed Oyelakin

The US Department of State has authorised non-emergency US government employees and their family members to leave the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.

In an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the department noted that, starting April 8, 2026, Americans are advised to reconsider travel to the country due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

The advisory classified the overall travel advisory for Nigeria as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while some states are at “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”

The department also added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states to the list of “Do Not Travel” areas, bringing the total to 23 states where travel is strongly discouraged.

“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.

Level 4 states that U.S. citizens are urged to avoid include, in the North, Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states, due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.

The advisory also listed Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, citing unrest, crime, and kidnapping.

“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 Nigeria, the department urged citizens to avoid Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (excluding Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and unrest.

“Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs,” the advisory added.

The advisory noted that violent crimes, including armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom, are widespread and U.S. citizens are perceived as wealthy and are frequent targets.

It said terrorist attacks remain a threat across the country, including at markets, shopping centers, hotels, places of worship, and public gatherings.

It further described health services in Nigeria as limited and inconsistent, with medical facilities generally not meeting U.S. or European standards.

The State Department, however, urged U.S. citizens considering travel to Nigeria to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for important updates, exercise caution while traveling, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and establish personal safety and “proof of life” protocols.

Punchng

richiemcgold:
In a nutshell, only southwest Nigeria is safe for the US citizens

esnbrutality:
Kwarabis not SW again..?

We didn't see SE or SS.

Anyway..una cho cho cho don cast una.

richiemcgold:
In a nutshell, only southwest Nigeria is safe for the US citizens

Akpangbo:
I wonder. South West peaceful than South East?

Obilikom:
Judging from missing human heads and organs I won't be so sure

Maxymilliano:
The governor addressed the people inside armored tank, the president addressed the people at the airport.

The message is very clear.

PulaPower:
How many heads are currently missing in your Fams..?

Maxymilliano:
The governor addressed the people inside armored tank, the president addressed the people at the airport.

The message is very clear.

OLAADEGBU:
The department also added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba States to the list of “Do Not Travel” areas, bringing the total to 23 states where travel is strongly discouraged.

esnbrutality:
Kwara is not SW again..?

We didn't see SE or SS.

Anyway..una cho cho cho don cast una.

Maxymilliano:
The governor addressed the people inside armored tank, the president addressed the people at the airport.

The message is very clear.

“It was DSS that was literally protecting my life from ev!l people in Nigeria. They were ordered by the government to ensure that nothing happens to me because I speak truth. As Musl!ms are calling for my arrest for speaking the truth, Gumi the known terr0rist walks freely.”… pic.twitter.com/N7qhGgIyqi

— Dr. Kenon (@drkenon2) April 7, 2026

Level 4 states that U.S. citizens are urged to avoid include, in the North, Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states, due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.

The advisory also listed Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, citing unrest, crime, and kidnapping.