In a travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the department urged American citizens to reconsider travelling to Nigeria from April 8 2026 due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest and limited healthcare services. Nigeria has been placed at Level 3 Reconsider Travel, while 23 states are now listed under Level 4 Do Not Travel.
The advisory newly added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba to the Level 4 list. They join other high risk northern areas such as Borno, Yobe, Kogi and northern Adamawa where terrorism and kidnapping remain a serious threat.
Several southern states, including Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers State excluding Port Harcourt, were also flagged because of high levels of crime and unrest.
The State Department warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping for ransom are common, and that US citizens are often targeted. It added that terrorist attacks could occur at markets, places of worship, hotels and public gatherings, while healthcare services are inconsistent and below international standards.
Americans planning to travel to Nigeria were advised to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so they can receive alerts and make it easier for US officials to contact them in an emergency. They were also urged to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings and to put in place personal safety plans.
The United States Department of State has ordered non essential staff and family members to leave the US embassy in Abuja because of rising insecurity in Nigeria.
In a travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the department urged American citizens to reconsider travelling to Nigeria from April 8 2026 due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest and limited healthcare services. Nigeria has been placed at Level 3 Reconsider Travel, while 23 states are now listed under Level 4 Do Not Travel.
The advisory newly added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba to the Level 4 list. They join other high risk northern areas such as Borno, Yobe, Kogi and northern Adamawa where terrorism and kidnapping remain a serious threat.
Several southern states, including Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers State excluding Port Harcourt, were also flagged because of high levels of crime and unrest.
The State Department warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping for ransom are common, and that US citizens are often targeted. It added that terrorist attacks could occur at markets, places of worship, hotels and public gatherings, while healthcare services are inconsistent and below international standards.
Americans planning to travel to Nigeria were advised to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so they can receive alerts and make it easier for US officials to contact them in an emergency. They were also urged to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings and to put in place personal safety plans.
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