US expands Nigeria advisory
The U.S. State Department expanded its travel advisory for Nigeria and urged Americans to reconsider travel, while authorizing the departure of non‑emergency embassy staff and family from Abuja. (travelandtourworld.com) Some Nigerian regions were elevated to a highest “do not travel” warning because of terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping risks. (azernews.az)
The United States updated its Nigeria travel advisory on April 8 and let non-emergency embassy staff and families leave Abuja. (travel.state.gov) The State Department kept Nigeria at Level 3, “Reconsider Travel,” and said the advisory text changed because of embassy operations, not because the overall country level changed. (travel.state.gov, travel.state.gov) The revised advisory added five states to the highest “Do Not Travel” warning: Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba. The State Department now lists 23 states, plus northern Adamawa, under Level 4 warnings for terrorism, unrest, crime or kidnapping. (travel.state.gov) The embassy said Abuja will remain open, but with a limited ability to provide emergency services to United States citizens. The United States Consulate General in Lagos will continue routine and emergency services. (ng.usembassy.gov) The advisory describes a broad risk picture beyond one city. It cites armed robbery, carjacking, hostage-taking, roadside banditry and rape, and says kidnappings for ransom often target dual nationals visiting Nigeria. (travel.state.gov) It also says terrorist groups and local gangs can strike with little or no warning at malls, markets, hotels, schools, government buildings and transportation hubs. In southern Nigeria, especially the Niger Delta and southeast, the advisory says armed gangs and civil unrest remain active. (travel.state.gov) The staffing move fits the State Department’s broader advisory system. The department says it updates country notices when conditions change substantially, including when the United States government changes staffing levels or security restrictions. (travel.state.gov) United States officials had already tightened movement rules in Abuja before this week’s change. In a June 22, 2025 alert, the mission barred embassy employees and their families from non-official travel to Nigerian military sites and other government venues in Abuja. (ng.usembassy.gov) For Americans still in Nigeria, the embassy urged people to make emergency plans that do not rely on United States government help and said the departure status will be reassessed regularly. (ng.usembassy.gov)
