Insecurity: US orders embassy staff out of Nigeria
●Forbids visits to 23 states
Worried by the worsening security situation in Nigeria, the United States Department of State has approved the movement of its Nigerian embassy non-emergency personnel and their families from the country.
In its rejigged travel advisory issued yesterday, 8th April, the department informed that the directive took effect from 8 April, 2026. It cautioned Americans over travelling to Nigeria in view of the worsening incidents of terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and healthcare services.
The US places Nigeria under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory, while 23 of its 36 states are placed on the highest warning level — “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”
States newly added to the “Do Not Travel” category include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba.
Other northern states in the Level 4 category include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa, The Frontier reports.
In the South, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers States — excluding Port Harcourt — are also listed over concerns of violent crime, kidnapping and civil unrest.
“The security situation in these areas remains unstable and unpredictable,” the State Department said, noting frequent incidents of communal clashes, armed banditry, and sudden security operations.
The advisory added that widespread violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom often target US citizens owing to their being perceived as wealthy by the gangsters.
The department also warned that terrorists could occur without warning at such public places like markets, shopping centres, hotels, worship centres, or any large gatherings.
It expressed concerns over Nigeria’s healthcare system, describing medical services as poor and often functioning below the standards of the U.S. or Europe.
The State Department advised Americans who must travel to Nigeria to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme (STEP) for real-time updates, avoid protests and crowded places, and establish personal safety measures, including “proof of life” protocols.
