The United States Department of State has raised fresh security concerns in Nigeria, authorising the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from Abuja over heightened risks of terrorist attacks.
The move effectively places the US Embassy on partial evacuation status and comes alongside an updated travel advisory that designates 23 states across Nigeria as high-risk for American citizens.
According to the advisory, terrorists may be planning attacks on a wide range of targets, including government buildings, places of worship, schools, shopping centres, hotels, and transport hubs. Officials warned that such attacks could occur with little or no warning.
The State Department also highlighted widespread crime, particularly in southern Nigeria, noting that kidnappers often target foreigners, especially U.S. citizens.
In response, Americans in Nigeria have been urged to take precautionary measures, including enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time alerts and emergency support.
Several states, particularly in northern Nigeria, have been placed under the highest alert level, “Level 4: Do Not Travel”, due to persistent threats of terrorism and abductions. These include Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State, Kaduna State, Kano State, Katsina State, and Zamfara State, among others.
In the south, oil-producing states such as Rivers State, Delta State, Bayelsa State, Akwa Ibom State, and Cross River State were also classified as Level 4 due to risks linked to kidnapping, civil unrest, and maritime crime.
While Abuja remains under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, the specific intelligence around potential terror threats prompted the evacuation directive.
The U.S. government has advised its citizens to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings, and maintain a low profile as the security situation continues to evolve.
