The United States Embassy in Nigeria has identified 23 states across the country as high-risk areas, advising its non-emergency staff and their families to avoid travelling to those locations due to worsening security conditions.
In its latest travel advisory released on April 8, 2026, the United States Department of State urged American citizens to reconsider visiting Nigeria, citing persistent threats including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The advisory maintained Nigeria at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, while several parts of the country were placed under Level 4: Do Not Travel, the highest warning level.
Staff evacuation approval
According to the State Department, the deteriorating security situation prompted the authorisation for non-emergency personnel to depart the embassy in Abuja.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised non-emergency US government employees and US government employee family members to leave the US embassy in Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory stated.
The department also warned that violent crimes, including armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping for ransom, remain widespread in many parts of the country.
States listed under “Do Not Travel”
The advisory listed the following states and regions as areas Americans should avoid due to severe security threats:
Borno
Jigawa
Kogi
Kwara
Niger
Plateau
Taraba
Yobe
Northern Adamawa
Explaining the risks, the department said the security situation in these locations remains “unstable and uncertain,” citing armed violence, communal clashes, kidnapping, and roadside banditry.
Other high-risk northern states
Additional states were flagged due to risks associated with unrest and kidnapping. These include:
Bauchi
Gombe
Kaduna
Kano
Katsina
Sokoto
Zamfara
Southern states flagged for crime risks
The advisory also warned of high crime rates in parts of southern Nigeria, identifying the following states:
Abia
Anambra
Bayelsa
Delta
Enugu
Imo
Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt)
According to the State Department, crime in southern Nigeria includes kidnapping, armed gangs and violent protests.
“Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs,” the advisory noted.
Terrorism and healthcare concerns
The US government also warned that terrorist attacks remain a possibility in public places such as markets, shopping centres, hotels, and places of worship.
It further highlighted concerns about healthcare services, stating that medical facilities in Nigeria are inconsistent and often fall below American and European standards.
Advice for travellers
Despite the warning, the State Department advised US citizens who still plan to travel to Nigeria to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time alerts and updates.
Travellers were also urged to take extra precautions, avoid large gatherings or demonstrations, and establish personal safety measures, including “proof-of-life” protocols in case of emergencies.