…Flags 23 states ‘No-Go’ areas
The United States (U.S) Department of State has authorised the departure of non-essential personnel and their families from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, citing a worsening and unpredictable security environment across Nigeria.
In a travel advisory issued on April 8, Washington warned American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria, pointing to rising threats from crime, terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest. The country remains classified under “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while 23 states have now been placed under the stricter “Level 4: Do Not Travel” category.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to depart the U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory stated.
The latest update expanded the list of high-risk states to include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba, reflecting what U.S. officials described as an increasingly fragile security landscape. The advisory warned that attacks by armed groups and criminal networks are frequent in these regions, while security operations by Nigerian forces may occur without warning, posing additional risks to civilians.
In the South and South-East, states such as Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers (excluding Port-Harcourt) were identified as high-risk areas due to armed robbery, gang violence, kidnappings, and the potential for violent protests.
Beyond regional threats, the U.S. government highlighted nationwide concerns, noting that violent crimes – including armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping for ransom – are widespread. American citizens are considered attractive targets due to perceived wealth, while terrorist attacks remain a risk at public venues such as markets, hotels, worship centres and large gatherings.
The advisory also raised concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, describing medical facilities as limited and inconsistent, with many failing to meet U.S. or European standards—an issue that could complicate emergency situations for travellers.
Despite the heightened warnings, the State Department stopped short of imposing a total travel ban, instead urging Americans who choose to travel to exercise extreme caution.
