Insecurity: U.S. pulls out non-essential staff from Abuja Embassy

By Ochiaka Ugwu

United States government, in a travel advisory issued Wednesday has authorised non-essential staff and their families to depart its embassy in Abuja and warned citizens not to travel to Nigeria over security risks.

In a post shared on X Wednesday, the US Department of State cited the rising insecurity in some parts of Nigeria as the reason for its latest pronouncement.

Peoples Daily noted the advisory came at a particularly sensitive moment in U.S.-Nigeria relations and on the heels of a series of undiplomatic statements by President Donald Trump targeting Nigeria’s leadership.

Recall that Trump had previously levelled allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria, remarks that led to U.S. airstrikes in Sokoto State on Christmas Eve.

Recently, Trump made references to Nigeria in connection with what he termed fake reports leaked to CNN — a claim that drew sharp concern in Abuja.

In the advisory issued by the United States Department of State, the U.S. government cited crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest as key reasons for the updated warning.

The development, which took effect from April 8, 2026, classified Nigeria under “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while designating several states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” the highest risk category.

According to the advisory, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were authorised to leave the U.S. Embassy in Abuja due to what it described as a “deteriorating security situation” across the country.

The update also expanded the list of high-risk states, adding Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba, bringing the total number of “Do Not Travel” states to 23.

States listed in the northern region include Borno, Yobe, Adamawa (northern parts), Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, and Jigawa, with the advisory citing terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

In the South, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states—excluding Port Harcourt—were also flagged due to crime, kidnapping, and violent unrest.

The U.S. government warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom remain widespread, adding that foreigners, particularly U.S. citizens, are often targeted.

It also cautioned that terrorist attacks could occur in public places, including markets, hotels, places of worship, and large gatherings.

The advisory also highlighted concerns about healthcare services, describing them as limited and inconsistent compared to international standards.

However, the State Department advised U.S. citizens who must travel to Nigeria to enroll in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, avoid large gatherings, maintain heightened vigilance, and establish personal safety protocols.