U.S. Reduces Staff in Abuja, Flags 23 Nigerian States

The U.S. Department of State has announced a reduction of non-essential personnel in Abuja and issued a revised travel advisory for Nigeria, categorizing 23 states as no-go areas due to a significant increase in insecurity.

The advisory remains at Level 3, which urges Americans to reconsider travel to Nigeria, while 23 states have been escalated to Level 4, the highest warning category. This decision reflects a broader reassessment of safety conditions in the country, where multiple threats, including organized crime, kidnapping networks, and terrorism, are converging.

The states listed under strict caution include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba, indicating a widening spread of insecurity. The advisory highlights persistent criminal threats, particularly kidnappings and armed gang activities, and notes systemic challenges such as limited emergency response capacity and healthcare service gaps.

The U.S. has previously adjusted its posture regarding Nigeria, and this latest update is expected to influence international travel and investment perceptions regarding the country's stability.