Security concerns: US pulls embassy staff from Abuja, issues travel warning

The featof State has directed the evacuation of non-essential staff and family members from its embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security conditions across Nigeria.

In a fresh travel advisory, the US government placed Nigeria at Level 3 — “Reconsider Travel” — warning its citizens about rising concerns including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent healthcare services.

According to the advisory, non-emergency personnel and relatives of US government employees have been instructed to leave the country as a precautionary measure.

While maintaining that risks exist nationwide, the US identified several states with heightened threats. It advised against travel to parts of southern Nigeria, including Delta, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Enugu, and sections of Rivers State, due to increased risks of kidnapping, violent crime, and unrest.

More severe warnings were issued for states placed under Level 4 — “Do Not Travel.” These include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern parts of Adamawa State, where terrorism, armed crime, and kidnapping are considered critical threats.

In the North-West, states such as Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara were also flagged over persistent insecurity, including banditry and civil unrest.

“The security situation in these states is unstable and unpredictable,” the advisory stated, noting that violence between communities and armed groups, as well as security operations, could occur without warning.

In the southern region, the advisory highlighted widespread crime and a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and activities of armed gangs, particularly outside major urban centres.

The US government further warned that terrorist attacks remain a possibility across Nigeria, including in public places such as markets, shopping centres, hotels, places of worship, and large gatherings.

It added that American citizens are often perceived as wealthy and may be targeted for crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom.

On healthcare, the advisory described Nigeria’s medical services as limited and inconsistent, noting that facilities may not meet US or European standards.

The State Department advised US citizens who must travel to Nigeria to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates and assistance. It also urged travelers to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings and protests, and establish personal safety measures, including “proof of life” protocols.