Supplemental Info:
Background
The Global Terrorism Index 2026 ranks Nigeria fourth worldwide for terrorist attacks, with a 46% rise in terrorism-related deaths in 2025. Overlapping threats from jihadists, criminal gangs, ethnic militias, and urban gangs have created a dispersed security vacuum that stretches Nigerian forces thin. The government has regained some territory from earlier insurgencies but struggles with accountability, intelligence gaps, and porous borders.
On April 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of State updated its Nigeria Travel Advisory to Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) and explicitly authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to depart Embassy Abuja “due to the deteriorating security situation.” Several additional states (Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, Taraba) were added to the “Do Not Travel” list. The Embassy continues limited operations but stresses that terrorists may strike public venues without warning.
Evacuation (Authorized or Ordered Departure) of non-emergency USG personnel is triggered when the Chief of Mission, in coordination with the State Department, determines that risks to American diplomats exceed acceptable levels. Key factors include credible intelligence of imminent terrorist plots targeting U.S. facilities or personnel (as seen in past Abuja alerts), a sharp surge in violence near diplomatic areas, host-government inability to guarantee security, widespread anti-U.S. unrest, or operational constraints that prevent the Embassy from fulfilling its mission safely. The April 2026 authorization reflects precisely such an assessment amid ongoing national deterioration.
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Security Alert
U.S. Mission Nigeria
April 8, 2026
Location: Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Event: On April 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of State authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members from U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja will remain open but will have limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. The Embassy, in consultation with the State Department, will reassess this status regularly. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos will continue to provide routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria.
The Department of State Travel Advisory for Nigeria remains at Level 3, recommending travelers reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of health care services.
Actions to Take:
Have a personal emergency action plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
U.S. citizens in Abuja should consider departing if you do not need to remain for emergency or essential purposes.
Take advantage of commercial transportation options, if you wish to depart Nigeria.
Ensure your U.S. passport is valid and accessible in case of emergency departure.
Keep family and friends informed of your travel plans and whereabouts.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
Monitor local media for breaking news on the security situation.
Avoid crowds and demonstrations.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Keep a low profile.
Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency.
Vary travel routes and times, especially when going to and from the airport.
For additional information about threats and risks to travelers in Nigeria, please visit the Nigeria Destination Information page on travel.state.gov.
Please monitor our website https://ng.usembassy.gov/ for updates.
For Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Abuja, Nigeria
Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area
+234 209 461 4328 and after hours +234 209 461 4000, press zero
AbujaACS@state.gov
https://ng.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Consulate General Lagos
2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island
+234 201 460 3400 during business hours and after hours
LagosACS@state.gov
https://ng.usembassy.gov/
U.S. State Department – Consular Affairs
+1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
Nigeria Destination Information
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
Follow us on Twitter/X and Facebook
View the Original:
https://ng.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-abuja-april-8-2026/
