U.S. Orders Embassy Staff to Leave Nigeria Amid Security Risks

On April 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory urging non-emergency government employees and their families to leave the U.S. embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, citing a deteriorating security situation across the country.

The advisory classified Nigeria's overall travel advisory level as 3, recommending reconsideration of travel, while 23 states were designated as level 4, indicating they are areas to avoid. The states listed as ‘Do Not Travel’ include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa, due to threats of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.

The advisory also highlighted the risks of civil unrest and violent crime, including armed robbery and carjacking, particularly in the northern and southeastern regions. It emphasized the limited and inconsistent healthcare services in Nigeria, which do not meet U.S. or European standards, and urged U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for safety.