The U.S. Department of State has authorized the departure of non-essential personnel and their families from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, citing a worsening security environment across Nigeria.

The directive, announced in a travel advisory published Wednesday, follows a review of the country’s security conditions conducted on April 8, 2026. The Department pointed to persistent threats including violent crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest in multiple regions.

Despite the move, Nigeria remains under a Level 3 travel advisory—urging Americans to reconsider travel—while several states have been designated as Level 4, indicating areas where travel should be avoided entirely.

In its statement, the Department warned of widespread violent crime, including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, and hostage-taking. It also highlighted the prevalence of kidnapping for ransom, noting that foreign nationals and dual citizens are often targeted.

The advisory further identified extremist threats, particularly from groups such as Boko Haram, which it said continue to plan and carry out attacks, at times in coordination with criminal networks. Likely targets include public venues such as markets, shopping centres, schools, places of worship, government buildings, and transportation hubs.

Civil unrest remains a concern in parts of southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta and Southeast, where armed groups and protests have contributed to instability.

In addition to security risks, the Department cited ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including limited access to essential medicines, unreliable emergency services, and requirements for upfront payment for treatment.

U.S. authorities also cautioned that their ability to provide consular assistance in high-risk areas may be limited, urging citizens to avoid such locations.

The development follows a similar measure taken in December 2025, when the United States imposed partial travel restrictions on Nigeria under a presidential proclamation aimed at strengthening border security. The decision was based on security assessments and immigration compliance data.

Nigeria was included among countries subject to partial suspension of certain immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories. U.S. officials cited concerns over extremist activity, including links to Islamic State, as well as visa overstay rates.

According to the Department, Nigerian nationals recorded overstay rates of 5.56 percent for B-1/B-2 visas and 11.90 percent for student and exchange visas. The restrictions apply to visa categories including B-1, B-2, F, M, and J, although exemptions remain for diplomats and some existing visa holders.

The latest advisory underscores growing international concern over Nigeria’s security landscape, even as diplomatic operations in Abuja continue with reduced staffing.