US Embassy, Abuja
By Victory Oghene
Leave Nigeria Embassy With Immediate Alacrity, US Orders Staff, Lists 23 States As ‘Do Not Travel’
Going by the spate of kidnapping and other crimes in Nigeria, the United States Department of State has ordered non-emergency US government employees and their family members to leave the US Embassy in Abuja.
This is was contained in an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday.
The department further stated 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.”
States like Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states were added to the list of “Do Not Travel” by the department.
This brings the total to 23 states where travel is strongly discouraged.
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.
