The United States Department of State has directed non-emergency personnel and their families to depart from the U.S. Embassy Abuja due to a deteriorating security environment in Nigeria.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, cited rising risks from crime, terrorism, and civil unrest across multiple regions.
While Americans were urged to exercise caution nationwide, several states have been placed under a stricter Level 4 travel advisory, indicating areas to avoid entirely.
The statement warned of widespread violent crime, including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, and hostage-taking, with foreigners and dual nationals often targeted.
It also highlighted ongoing terrorist threats from groups such as Boko Haram, who may target public spaces, markets, schools, government buildings, and transport hubs.
Civil unrest persists in parts of southern Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta and Southeast, driven by armed groups and protests.
The advisory also flagged healthcare limitations, including restricted access to medicines, unreliable emergency services, and upfront payment requirements.
The Department emphasided that U.S. government assistance may be limited in high-risk areas, urging citizens to avoid those locations entirely.
This move followed a similar decision in December 2025, when Nigeria was placed on a partial travel restriction list under a U.S. presidential proclamation aimed at tightening border controls.
The restrictions apply to select visa categories, including B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visas, while diplomats and current visa holders remain exempt.
The Department cited security concerns and immigration compliance data, noting extremist threats from Boko Haram and the Islamic State, and visa overstay rates of 5.56 per cent for B-1/B-2 visas and 11.90 per cent for student and exchange visas.
