US flags 23 Nigerian states as high-risk, issues fresh travel advisory

The United States Embassy has identified 23 states across Nigeria as high-risk areas, advising its non-emergency staff and their families to avoid them due to worsening security conditions.

In a travel advisory updated on April 8, 2026, the United States Department of State urged American citizens to reconsider visiting Nigeria, citing persistent threats including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

The overall advisory for Nigeria remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, while several regions have been escalated to Level 4: Do Not Travel. Newly added states to the highest-risk category include Plateau State, Jigawa State, Kwara State, Niger State, and Taraba State.

Explaining the decision, the State Department said it had authorised the departure of non-emergency staff from its mission in Abuja due to the deteriorating security environment.

“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some areas have increased risk,” the advisory stated.

The department warned that the security situation in the affected states remains unstable, with widespread violence between communities, armed crime, kidnapping, and roadside banditry. It added that security operations to counter these threats could occur without prior notice.

The advisory also raised concerns about conditions in southern Nigeria, noting that crime, including armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom, remains prevalent. According to the report, foreign nationals are often targeted due to perceived wealth.

It further cautioned that terrorist threats persist in public places such as markets, shopping centres, hotels, and places of worship, while healthcare services across the country remain inconsistent and below Western standards.

Despite the warnings, the US government advised citizens who still intend to travel to Nigeria to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time updates and emergency assistance.

Travellers were also urged to exercise heightened vigilance, avoid large gatherings, and establish personal safety measures, including “proof of life” protocols.