Barely 24 Hours After Ceasefire with Iran, U.S. Authorises Staff Departure from Abuja Embassy
Concerns have emerged among Nigerians following a new travel advisory by the United States government, which authorised non-essential staff and their families to depart its embassy in Abuja and warned citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria over security risks.
PRNigeria reports that the advisory arrives at a particularly sensitive moment in U.S.-Nigeria relations. It was issued less than 24 hours after Washington and Israel announced a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East — and comes in the wake of a series of provocative statements by President Donald Trump targeting Nigeria’s leadership.
Trump had previously levelled unverified allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria, remarks that preceded U.S. airstrikes in Sokoto State on Christmas Eve. More recently, in the immediate aftermath of announcing a ceasefire with Iran, Trump made references to Nigeria in connection with what he termed fake reports leaked to CNN — a claim that drew sharp concern in Abuja.
Political observers are now questioning whether the security advisory reflects genuine threat assessment or serves as diplomatic pressure ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, in which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to seek a second term.
In the advisory issued by the United States Department of State, the U.S. government cited crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest as key reasons for the updated warning.
The development, which took effect from April 8, 2026, classified Nigeria under “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while designating several states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” the highest risk category.
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According to the advisory, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were authorised to leave the U.S. Embassy in Abuja due to what it described as a “deteriorating security situation” across the country.
The update also expanded the list of high-risk states, adding Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba, bringing the total number of “Do Not Travel” states to 23.
States listed in the northern region include Borno, Yobe, Adamawa (northern parts), Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, and Jigawa, with the advisory citing terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
In the South and Southeast, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states—excluding Port Harcourt—were also flagged due to crime, kidnapping, and violent unrest.
The U.S. government warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom remain widespread, adding that foreigners, particularly U.S. citizens, are often targeted.
It further cautioned that terrorist attacks could occur in public places, including markets, hotels, places of worship, and large gatherings.
The advisory also highlighted concerns about healthcare services, describing them as limited and inconsistent compared to international standards.
However, the State Department advised U.S. citizens who must travel to Nigeria to enrol in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, avoid large gatherings, maintain heightened vigilance, and establish personal safety protocols.
The advisory comes amid heightened global tensions and has triggered debate among observers in Nigeria, with some expressing concern over its timing and potential implications for the country’s international image and security outlook.
While there has been no official response from Nigerian authorities as of press time, analysts say the development may influence diplomatic engagement, travel decisions, and investor confidence as the country prepares for future political and economic activities.
By PRNigeria
