The US Department of State has ordered non-emergency staff and their families to leave its embassy in Abuja over worsening security concerns.
In a new travel advisory issued on April 8, the US asked its citizens to reconsider travelling to Nigeria due to rising crime, terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest.
The country was placed on “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while 23 states were marked as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” the highest warning level.
States listed under the highest risk include Borno, Yobe, Adamawa (northern parts), Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau and Taraba, mainly due to terrorism and kidnapping.
Other northern states such as Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi and Gombe were also flagged over insecurity and unrest.
In the South and South-East, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) were listed due to crime, kidnappings and violent protests.
The advisory warned that the security situation in these areas is unstable, with frequent cases of armed attacks, banditry and communal violence.
It added that terrorist attacks could occur without warning in public places like markets, churches, hotels and shopping centres.
The US also noted that healthcare services in Nigeria remain limited and may not meet international standards.
American citizens were advised to avoid large gatherings, monitor security updates closely and enrol in safety programmes for emergency information.
The move highlights growing international concern over Nigeria’s security situation.
