The Nigerian government has sought to reassure citizens and foreign partners that the country remains stable and secure after the United States authorised the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from its embassy in Abuja.
The move, announced by the United States Department of State, followed what it described as a deteriorating security situation across parts of the country, prompting a fresh travel advisory warning Americans to reconsider visiting Nigeria.
In its updated guidance, effective 8 April 2026, Washington maintained Nigeria’s overall status at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel”, while designating roughly 23 states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel”, citing risks including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
States in the north and Middle Belt featured prominently in the highest-risk category, alongside parts of the south and south-east. Americans were advised to avoid travel to states such as Borno, Yobe, Plateau, and Zamfara, as well as Abia, Imo, and Bayelsa in the south. Rivers State was also listed, with an exception for Port Harcourt.
“The security situation in these states is unstable and unpredictable due to civil unrest, inter-communal violence, and armed crime,” the advisory said, adding that security operations could occur without warning.
The embassy in Abuja has suspended visa appointments, asking applicants to await rescheduling notices, although operations at the US consulate in Lagos remain open. Emergency consular services continue to be available by appointment.
The advisory also highlighted concerns over violent crime, including armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping for ransom, warning that US citizens may be targeted due to perceptions of wealth. It further cautioned that terrorist attacks remain a nationwide threat, including in public places such as markets, hotels and places of worship.
Healthcare provision was also cited as a concern, with the department noting that medical services in Nigeria can be inconsistent and may fall short of US or European standards.
In response, Nigeria’s minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the advisory did not reflect the broader security reality across the country, describing the US decision as a precautionary step guided by internal protocols.
“While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable,” he said in a statement issued through his aide.
Idris pointed to ongoing military and intelligence-led operations across multiple regions, arguing that increased inter-agency coordination had led to measurable gains, including the disruption of criminal networks and improved safety in vulnerable communities.
“Our security agencies remain actively engaged in protecting lives and property, and the results of these efforts are increasingly evident,” he added.
The government also emphasised that Nigeria remains open to business, investment and tourism, urging international partners to engage directly with authorities for a more up-to-date assessment of conditions on the ground.
“We encourage our international partners to continuously engage with Nigerian authorities to obtain a more comprehensive and current understanding of the situation,” the minister said.
The latest advisory echoes previous warnings issued by Washington. In October 2022, the US embassy in Abuja scaled back operations and authorised the departure of non-essential staff amid fears of possible terrorist attacks in the capital, temporarily limiting services while the Lagos consulate assumed a greater operational role.
Despite such precedents, Nigerian officials maintain that recent security efforts are yielding results and insist the country remains a safe and viable destination for residents and visitors alike.
