The United States Government has issued a travel advisory to its citizens in Nigeria to avoid travelling to some northern states in the country due to increased crime, terrorism and kidnapping in those areas, news.ng reports.
This was contained in its recently updated travel advisory published on the U.S. Department of State website on Wednesday.
According to the publication, states added to the updated advisory include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states.
According to the publication, “There were no changes to the Travel Advisory Level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations. Do not travel to Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states were added.
“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.”
Other states include, “Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping
“Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, due to unrest, crime, and kidnapping
Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (except Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and unrest.”
The U.S Government specifically warned its employees’ family members to vacate its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, as insecurity worsens.
It noted that while these states are at high risk of being targeted by terrorists, public places, including markets, shopping malls, places of worship, should be avoided.
The publication stated, “On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation.
“There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Nigeria.
“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach. They may attack with little or no warning, including:
Shopping centres and malls
Markets
Hotels
Places of worship
Restaurants and bars
Schools
Government buildings
Transportation hubs
Public places where crowds gather.”
