The US State Department has authorised non-emergency government employees and their family members to depart its embassy in Abuja due to escalating security concerns across Nigeria. The directive, issued Wednesday, comes amid a surge in violence, terrorism, and kidnappings in several states.
In an updated travel advisory, Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba were added to the department’s “Do not travel” list following recent deadly attacks. On March 29, gunmen killed more than 20 residents in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, coinciding with Palm Sunday celebrations. Reports also indicated at least 20 fatalities in Niger State and multiple deaths in Kebbi State earlier this week.
Other Nigerian states already listed as high-risk include Borno, Kogi, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers.
The advisory follows warnings from the United Kingdom in November 2025, which cautioned citizens against non-essential travel to 21 Nigerian states, including Niger, Plateau, and Kebbi.
Nigeria was ranked fourth in the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, recording the largest increase in fatalities worldwide last year, with attacks rising 43 percent compared to 2024. Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram were responsible for nearly 83 percent of all terrorism-related deaths in Nigeria in 2025.
Religious leaders in Nigeria are urging the federal government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity as the nation grapples with escalating threats.