The United States of America has ordered the evacuation of non-essential staff from its mission in Nigeria, citing a deteriorating security environment marked by rising crime, terrorism and kidnapping.
In a travel advisory issued on April 8, the US Department of State said it had authorised the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from the US Embassy in Abuja, while also urging American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave the U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation.
“Violent crime is common throughout Nigeria. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape.
“Kidnappings for ransom happen often. They primarily target dual national citizens visiting Nigeria. Americans are perceived as wealthy and are often targets of crime and kidnapping.
“Kidnapping gangs have stopped drivers on interstate roads in order to rob and kidnap victims,” the US Department of State said.
The advisory warned against travel to several states, including Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, Taraba, Borno, Kogi, Yobe and Adamawa, citing high levels of crime, terrorism and kidnapping.
It also identified Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara as areas affected by unrest and insecurity, while Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers states — except Port Harcourt — were listed as high-risk due to crime, kidnapping and civil unrest.
The State Department further cautioned that terrorist groups may collaborate with local gangs to carry out attacks without warning in public places such as markets, shopping centres, hotels, schools, places of worship and government facilities.
In addition, it warned that healthcare services in Nigeria may fall short of standards obtainable in the United States and Europe, advising citizens to factor this into travel decisions.
