U.S. Updates Nigeria Travel Advisory For Americans, Adds Plateau, Kwara, Others To 'Do Not Travel' List -

The United States Department of State has renewed its travel advisory on Nigeria, urging its citizens to avoid visiting Nigeria over escalating insecurity marked by terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest.

The updated advisory released on April 8, 2026 stated that Nigeria remains on Level 3, urging Americans to reconsider travelling to the West African country.

According to U.S. authorities, the security situation continues to deteriorate in several parts of the country.

The advisory also confirmed that Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states have now been added to the “Do Not Travel” list, signalling deepening concerns over safety.

The U.S. government further disclosed that it had authorised the departure of non-emergency staff and family members from its embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security conditions.

According to the advisory, Americans are strongly warned against travelling to several regions across Nigeria.

States listed under terrorism, crime, and kidnapping risks include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa, where insurgent attacks and violent clashes remain prevalent.

Similarly, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara were flagged due to persistent unrest, armed banditry, and widespread kidnappings.

In the South, the advisory warned against travel to Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt), citing criminal gangs, separatist-linked violence, and frequent abductions.

The U.S. authorities painted a grim picture of security across Nigeria, noting that violent crimes such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, rape, and hostage-taking are common nationwide.

According to the advisory, kidnapping for ransom, the advisory noted, occurs frequently, particularly targeting dual nationals and foreigners perceived to be wealthy.

It also noted that armed gangs have escalated attacks on highways, stopping vehicles to abduct victims.

The advisory also warned of ongoing terrorist threats, with insurgent groups continuing to plan and execute attacks, often in collaboration with local criminal networks.

Potential targets include markets, shopping malls, schools, religious centers, government facilities, and transportation hubs.

Beyond terrorism, the advisory highlighted rising civil unrest and communal violence, especially in rural areas where clashes between farmers and herders continue to claim lives.

In southern Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta and Southeast, the advisory noted how armed groups and criminal gangs have intensified attacks, including kidnappings and assaults on security operatives.

The advisory also raised serious concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, warning that medical facilities fall below international standards and often lack essential medicines.

It noted that hospitals demand upfront cash payments, while emergency services remain unreliable or non-existent in many areas.

The U.S. warned of counterfeit drugs, poor ambulance services, and inadequate blood supply, urging travelers to secure comprehensive medical and evacuation insurance.

The latest advisory underscores growing international concern over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, which has spread across multiple regions of the country.

In the Northeast, insurgency linked to extremist groups has displaced millions of people, with attacks frequently targeting civilians, schools, and humanitarian facilities.

Northwest states such as Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto have witnessed a surge in banditry and mass kidnappings, including high-profile abductions of schoolchildren and travelers along major highways.

In the North-Central region, particularly Plateau, Niger, Benue, Kwara, and Kogi, communal clashes and armed attacks have intensified, blurring the lines between terrorism and criminality.

Meanwhile, in the South-East, separatist tensions and enforcement of sit-at-home orders have fueled violence, while oil-rich Niger Delta states continue to grapple with militancy, crude oil theft, and organized crime.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that the overstretching of Nigeria’s security forces, weak intelligence coordination, and socio-economic challenges are compounding the crisis, leaving vast rural areas vulnerable to armed groups.

The U.S. urged its citizens who must travel to Nigeria to adopt extreme caution, avoid large gatherings, vary travel routes, and establish emergency communication plans.

It also warned that U.S. authorities may be unable to provide emergency assistance in high-risk areas, further underscoring the severity of the situation.

The advisory added to mounting international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security landscape, as attacks, kidnappings, and violent unrest continue to spread across the country with limited containment.