The US Department of State has approved the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a worsening security environment across Nigeria.

In an updated travel advisory released on Wednesday, the department said the decision took effect from April 8, 2026, urging American citizens to reconsider travel to the country.

“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory stated.

The agency maintained Nigeria’s overall status at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while designating several states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” the highest risk category.

New additions to the Level 4 list include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states, bringing the total number of high-risk states to 23.

“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some areas have increased risk,” the department added.

In the North-East, states such as Borno, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa were highlighted due to terrorism and violent crime, while the North-West, including Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara, was flagged for banditry and kidnappings.

The advisory also warned against travel to several southern and southeastern states, including Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt), citing widespread crime and civil unrest.

“The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain due to civil unrest… including kidnapping and roadside banditry,” the statement said.

The department further warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom are prevalent, noting that US citizens are often targeted.

It added that terrorist attacks remain a nationwide risk, particularly in crowded places such as markets, hotels, places of worship, and public events.

The advisory also raised concerns about healthcare services in Nigeria, describing them as limited and not meeting US or European standards.

Americans planning to travel were advised to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, avoid large gatherings, and take additional personal security precautions.

The New Daily Prime reported March 10 that the United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a security alert over a potential terrorist threat targeting American facilities and schools linked to the United States in the country.

In a notice posted on its website, the embassy said the advisory was intended to inform U.S. citizens in Nigeria about potential security risks and urged them to take extra precautions when visiting American diplomatic missions and affiliated institutions.

The embassy had earlier warned citizens of a possible Abuja protest over the Middle East conflict.