U.S. orders embassy employees, families to leave Abuja

The United States government has ordered non-emergency personnel and their families at its embassy in Abuja to leave Nigeria, citing a deteriorating security situation.

The directive, issued on April 8, 2026, follows an assessment of risks posed by crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and limited access to healthcare across multiple regions of the country.

While maintaining Nigeria at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, the U.S. Department of State highlighted certain states under a stricter Level 4: Do Not Travel designation, warning Americans to avoid these areas entirely.

In a statement, the Department said:

“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised 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 noted that violent crime remains widespread, including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, and hostage-taking. Kidnapping for ransom continues to be a frequent threat, particularly targeting foreigners and dual nationals.

Terrorist groups such as Boko Haram remain active, sometimes collaborating with criminal gangs. Public spaces including markets, schools, places of worship, government buildings, and transport hubs were highlighted as potential targets.

Civil unrest also persists in parts of southern Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta and Southeast, driven by armed groups and protests.

The advisory further warned of healthcare challenges, including limited access to medicines, unreliable emergency services, and upfront payment requirements.

U.S. government urged Americans to exercise caution, avoid high-risk areas, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates on the security situation.

This move follows a similar action in December 2025, when Nigeria was placed on a list of countries subject to partial travel restrictions under a presidential proclamation aimed at tightening border controls.The decision was based on security assessments and immigration compliance data, including the presence of extremist groups and visa overstay rates among Nigerian nationals.