Yemi Obafemi
The US Department of State has added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states to its list of areas Americans should avoid, bringing the total to 23 states under a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to escalating insecurity.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory stated.
The department urged Americans to “reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some areas have increased risk.”
Northern states on the Level 4 “Do Not Travel” list include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa, with widespread threats of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
The advisory warned, “The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain due to civil unrest. Widespread violence between communities and armed crime, including kidnapping and roadside banditry… Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.”
In Southern and Southeastern Nigeria, US citizens are urged to avoid Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (excluding Port Harcourt), citing crime, kidnapping, and violent protests.
“Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs,” the advisory added.
It also noted that terrorist attacks remain a threat across the country, “including at markets, shopping centers, hotels, places of worship, and public gatherings,” and that medical facilities generally do not meet US or European standards.
Americans traveling to Nigeria are encouraged to “enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for important updates, exercise caution while traveling, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and establish personal safety and ‘proof of life’ protocols.”
