Nigeria Safe Despite U.S. Embassy Staff Evacuation, Federal Government Assures

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reassured Nigerians and the international community that the country remains safe for residents and visitors, despite the recent decision by the United States Department of State to evacuate non-emergency staff and their families from its embassy in Abuja.

The United States cited security concerns affecting 23 states across Nigeria. However, the Nigerian government on Thursday maintained that the country continues to maintain a stable security environment and urged citizens to remain calm.

Earlier on Wednesday, the U.S. government authorised the departure of non-essential government employees and their family members from the United States Embassy Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation in parts of the country.

The embassy also announced the suspension of visa appointments in Abuja and asked applicants to check their emails for updates regarding rescheduled appointments.

Despite the move, the embassy said visa services would continue at the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, while American citizen services would remain available in emergencies and by appointment.

In an updated travel advisory posted on its official X account, the State Department said that effective April 8, 2026, Americans should reconsider travel to Nigeria due to concerns about crime, terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest.

The advisory retained Nigeria’s overall rating at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel”, while designating several states under “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”

States listed under Level 4 include several in the Middle Belt and northern parts of the country. The advisory specifically urged U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Borno State, Yobe State, Kogi State, Kwara State, Niger State, Plateau State, Taraba State, Jigawa State and northern Adamawa State due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping risks.

The advisory also highlighted Bauchi State, Gombe State, Kaduna State, Kano State, Katsina State, Sokoto State and Zamfara State as high-risk areas due to unrest, crime and kidnapping.

In the southern and south-eastern regions, Americans were advised to avoid Abia State, Anambra State, Bayelsa State, Delta State, Enugu State, Imo State and Rivers State—except the city of Port Harcourt—due to similar security concerns.

Altogether, about 23 of Nigeria’s 36 states are affected by varying levels of travel restrictions