- Asks non-essential staff to leave Abuja
The U.S. State Department updated its Nigeria Travel Advisory on Wednesday and authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and eligible family members from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security environment across the country.
The advisory remained at Level 3-Reconsider Travel-but expanded its “Do Not Travel” list to include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba states. The department said the advisory level and risk indicators-crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping and health-did not change, but the summary now reflects new embassy operations and broader geographic restrictions.
Why it matters
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and a major economic hub; instability there has wide regional implications. The advisory signals a significant deterioration in security, including terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. The authorized departure of U.S. personnel from Abuja underscores concerns about the government’s ability to protect diplomatic staff.
What to know
The State Department kept Nigeria at Level 3 but expanded the areas where it advised against travel.
The new areas include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba to the “Do Not Travel” list, alongside existing prohibitions covering Borno, Yobe, Kogi and northern Adamawa; Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara; and Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers (except Port Harcourt).
The alert was issued due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping and health care limitations, while updating the summary for embassy operations, according to the advisory. The department authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members from the U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation, in line with the updated advisory summary.
The advisory cited frequent violent crime-armed robbery, carjacking, assault, rape-alongside widespread kidnapping for ransom, roadside banditry and hostage-taking, noting that Americans were often perceived as wealthy and targeted. It also warned that terrorists could strike with little or no warning, potentially targeting shopping centers, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants and bars, schools, government buildings, transportation hubs and other crowded public places.
U.S. citizens who chose to travel were advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), maintain low profiles, vary routines, avoid demonstrations, review personal security plans, and prepare evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. The advisory also urged vigilance at banks and ATMs, attention to local media, and the establishment of a “proof of life” protocol with loved ones in case of a hostage situation.
The State Department said it regularly reviews and updates country advisories, particularly for destinations at Levels 3 and 4, and may adjust guidance as conditions evolve or embassy operations change. Travelers were encouraged to monitor official updates and enroll in STEP for real-time alerts.