Nigeria faces tougher US travel advisory as embassy downsizes and more states fall under “Do Not Travel” category

The US Department of State has authorised the departure of non-essential US government employees and their families from the US Embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security conditions across Nigeria.

In an updated travel advisory released on Wednesday, the department stated that from April 8, 2026, American citizens are advised to reconsider travelling to Nigeria due to risks including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The advisory placed Nigeria under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, while certain states were categorised under the more severe “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”
Additionally, Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states were newly added to the list of high-risk areas, bringing the total number of states under the “Do Not Travel” advisory to 23.
The move underscores growing international concern about the security situation in parts of the country.