US Orders Partial Evacuation of Embassy Staff from Abuja, Flags 23 States as ‘Do Not Travel’ Amid Soaring Insecurity

By Emmanuel Kwada

The United States has authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from its Embassy in Abuja, while strongly advising American citizens to reconsider all travel to the country and avoid 23 states entirely due to rampant terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest.

The U.S. Department of State issued the updated travel advisory on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, citing a “deteriorating security situation” across Nigeria.

Although the overall advisory for Nigeria remains at Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”), several states have been placed under the highest Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) category because of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed banditry.

States explicitly listed under “Do Not Travel” include Borno, Yobe, Adamawa (northern parts), Plateau, Niger, Kogi, Taraba, Jigawa, Kwara, as well as others such as Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (with exceptions in some areas like Port Harcourt).

The advisory highlights that violent crime—including armed robbery, carjacking, assault, hostage-taking, and roadside banditry—is common nationwide.

Kidnapping remains a major threat, with foreigners, particularly Americans, often viewed as high-value targets by criminal gangs and terrorists who sometimes collaborate in attacks.

These incidents can occur without warning in public places such as markets, malls, hotels, schools, places of worship, and government facilities.

Beyond security concerns, the U.S. warned that healthcare services in Nigeria frequently fall short of international standards, potentially complicating medical emergencies for travelers.

The Embassy in Abuja will remain open but with significantly reduced capacity to provide consular services. Routine and emergency assistance for U.S. citizens will continue primarily through the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos. The State Department said it will regularly reassess the situation.

This development comes against the backdrop of persistent insecurity under the current administration, including deadly attacks by Boko Haram and its splinter groups in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and escalating kidnapping cases across the country. Recent incidents in states like Kaduna, Niger, and Plateau have further heightened global concerns.

Nigerian authorities are yet to issue an official reaction to the advisory as of press time. However, the move is likely to strain bilateral relations and could impact foreign investment and tourism, already battered by years of instability.

The U.S. Embassy urged American citizens currently in Nigeria to review their personal security plans, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and monitor local media for updates.