U.S. orders embassy employees, families to leave Abuja over security concerns

 

The United States has instructed non-emergency embassy staff and their families to evacuate its mission in Abuja, citing a worsening security situation. This announcement was made by the U.S. Department of State in a travel advisory released on its official website on Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of State indicated that the decision was made on April 8, 2026, after evaluating the security conditions in Nigeria. It underscored the dangers posed by crime, terrorism, and civil unrest in various regions of the country.

While advising Americans to remain vigilant, it retained Nigeria’s Level 3 travel advisory status, further categorizing several states under the more severe Level 4 advisory, which indicates areas where travel should be completely avoided.

"Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Certain areas present an increased risk. Please read the entire Travel Advisory," the statement partially read.

"On April 8, 2026, the Department of State permitted non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their family members to depart from U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security conditions." 

The Department identified several high-risk states throughout northern, central, and southern Nigeria, citing threats such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime, thereby reinforcing its caution against travel to specified areas.

The advisory pointed out that violent crime is prevalent in Nigeria, including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, and hostage-taking. It remarked that kidnapping for ransom is common and frequently targets foreigners and dual nationals. 

"Terrorist organizations like Boko Haram continue to plan and carry out attacks, sometimes in collaboration with criminal gangs. Potential targets include public venues such as markets, shopping centers, schools, places of worship, government facilities, and transportation hubs.  

“Civil unrest persists in parts of southern Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta and Southeast, driven by armed groups and protests.”

The advisory also flagged healthcare challenges, including limited access to medicines, unreliable emergency services, and upfront payment requirements. The Department further warned that the U.S. government may have limited capacity to assist citizens in certain high-risk areas, urging Americans to avoid such locations entirely.