By Ayo Kehinde
The United States Department of State has flagged 23 Nigerian states as high-risk and authorised the drawdown of non-emergency personnel and their families from its Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security environment.
In an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the Department urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to persistent concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest, noting that certain areas now fall under its most severe “Level 4: Do Not Travel” classification.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave the U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation”, the advisory stated.
The latest review saw Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba added to the high-risk category, bringing the total number of states under the Level 4 designation to 23. The classification reflects a combination of threats ranging from insurgency and banditry to communal clashes and organised criminal activity.
According to the advisory, Northern Nigeria remains a major area of concern, with Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa identified as particularly vulnerable to terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime.
States including Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara were also flagged due to ongoing civil unrest, widespread criminality, and the prevalence of armed groups engaged in kidnapping and banditry.
“The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain due to civil unrest, widespread violence between communities and armed crime, including kidnapping and roadside banditry. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning,” the statement warned.
The advisory further extended caution to parts of Southern and Southeastern Nigeria, including Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers State—excluding Port Harcourt—where risks associated with armed gangs, violent protests, and kidnapping remain significant.
“Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs”, it added.
Despite the stark warning, security experts note that Nigerian security agencies have stepped up coordinated operations across several hotspots, recording gains in disrupting criminal networks and enhancing intelligence-led responses. Ongoing military offensives and inter-agency collaboration are also aimed at restoring order and improving public safety nationwide.
The Department also highlighted the heightened vulnerability of U.S. citizens, who may be perceived as high-value targets for criminal elements. It warned of risks including armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom, as well as the possibility of terrorist attacks targeting public spaces such as markets, hotels, places of worship, and transportation hubs.
On healthcare, the advisory pointed to inconsistencies in medical services, noting that facilities in many parts of the country may not meet international standards. However, improvements in urban healthcare delivery and increased investment in the sector continue to enhance emergency response capacity in key cities.
To mitigate risks, the Department advised U.S. citizens to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP), maintain heightened situational awareness, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and establish emergency communication strategies, including “proof of life” protocols where necessary.
