The U.S. has approved the departure of embassy staff from Nigeria and advised citizens to reconsider travel over security and safety concerns

The U.S. State Department has authorized embassy staff to depart Nigeria and warned citizens to reconsider travel due to widespread violent crime, terrorism, and unreliable emergency medical services.

The U.S. Department of State issued a formal advisory on April 8, 2026, urging citizens to “reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services.” Citing a “deteriorating security situation,” the government authorized non-emergency employees and their families to depart the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, while maintaining “Do Not Travel” warnings for over 20 states across the northern and southern regions.

Officials warned that Americans are often perceived as wealthy targets for kidnapping gangs and that “terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria,” often targeting public spaces like markets and hotels with little to no warning. Beyond the physical security threats, the advisory highlights severe medical risks, noting that “emergency services like those in the United States or Europe do not exist” and that medical facilities are generally not equipped to international standards. Travelers remaining in the country are advised to maintain a low profile and establish a “‘proof of life’ protocol with your loved ones” to help verify their status in the event of a hostage-taking.

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