At least 23 Nigerian states have been classified as high-risk destinations by the United States government, with authorities in Washington warning of escalating threats ranging from terrorism and kidnapping to widespread violent crime and civil unrest, 9News Nigeria reports.
According to the latest U.S. travel advisory, the most severe warning—Level 4: Do Not Travel—applies to several states across northern, southern, and southeastern Nigeria due to persistent insecurity.
In the North, states including Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, and parts of Adamawa were flagged over terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping activities. The advisory also listed Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara as high-risk areas, citing violent crime, armed groups, and ongoing unrest.
In the southern and southeastern regions, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) were similarly designated as dangerous due to kidnapping, armed gangs, and violent protests.
U.S. authorities warned that the security environment in these areas remains volatile and unpredictable, with incidents of roadside banditry, communal clashes, and criminal violence occurring with little or no warning.
Beyond the specifically listed states, the United States placed Nigeria under a broader Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory, stressing that risks such as crime, terrorism, and civil unrest are prevalent across the country.
9News Nigeria reports that the advisory highlighted the widespread nature of violent crimes, including armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom, noting that foreign nationals—particularly Americans—are often perceived as lucrative targets.
The U.S. government also raised concerns over the risk of terrorist attacks in public spaces such as markets, shopping centres, hotels, places of worship, and large gatherings, warning that such attacks could occur without prior notice.
Healthcare limitations were also cited as a major concern, with the advisory describing Nigeria’s medical services as inconsistent and below U.S. and European standards in many areas.
Amid these growing concerns, the U.S. Department of State authorised the departure of non-essential embassy staff and their families from Abuja.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory stated.
The evacuation directive underscores the seriousness of the security assessment, as Washington moves to reduce its on-ground exposure while continuing to monitor developments.
Despite the warnings, U.S. authorities advised citizens who must travel to Nigeria to take strict precautions, including enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates, avoiding large gatherings, maintaining heightened situational awareness, and establishing personal safety measures such as “proof of life” protocols.
The latest advisory reflects mounting international concern over Nigeria’s security challenges, as authorities continue to grapple with insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central, and rising criminal activity in parts of the South.
9News Nigeria International Correspondence
