US Expands 'Do Not Travel' Warning to 23 Nigerian States Amid Security Concerns
The United States Department of State has significantly expanded its "do not travel" advisory for Nigeria, now covering 23 out of the country's 36 states. This heightened warning reflects growing security challenges in the region, with American citizens urged to exercise extreme caution or avoid travel entirely to these areas.
Additional States Added to Level 4 Advisory
On April 8, 2026, the US State Department added five new states to its Level 4 travel advisory, the highest warning level. The newly included states are Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba, bringing the total number of states under this severe advisory from 18 to 23. This expansion underscores the deteriorating security situation in parts of Nigeria, where violent incidents have been on the rise.
The advisory explicitly highlights the prevalence of violent crime, terrorism, and kidnapping across these regions. It notes that Americans are often specifically targeted due to their perceived wealth, making them vulnerable to criminal activities. The US government has emphasized that these threats are persistent and pose significant risks to travelers' safety.
Security Measures and Government Response
In response to the escalating risks, non-emergency US government employees and their family members have been authorized to depart from the US embassy in Abuja. This precautionary measure is directly linked to the worsening security environment, as stated by officials. The move signals serious concerns about the ability to ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel and their dependents in the capital.
Despite the expanded warnings, Nigeria as a whole, including its major business hub Lagos, remains under a Level 3 "reconsider travel" advisory. This distinction indicates that while many states are deemed too dangerous for travel, other areas may still be accessible with heightened vigilance. However, the Nigerian government has disputed the overall security assessment, arguing that the situation is not as dire as portrayed by the US advisory.
The conflicting views between the US and Nigerian governments highlight the complexity of security evaluations in the region. Travelers are advised to stay informed through official channels and exercise extreme caution when considering any trips to Nigeria, particularly to the states under Level 4 warnings.
