The Federal Government of Nigeria has reassured citizens and the international community that the country remains safe, stable, and open for business, despite a recent decision by the United States Department of State to authorise the evacuation of non-emergency staff and their families from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.
The move by the United States, announced earlier in the week, was based on what it described as a deteriorating security situation across several parts of Nigeria. However, Nigerian authorities have strongly maintained that the advisory reflects precautionary internal protocols rather than an accurate representation of the overall security climate in the country.
In its initial statement, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja confirmed that non-essential personnel and their dependents had been cleared to depart due to heightened concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. The embassy also temporarily suspended visa appointment services in Abuja, instructing applicants to monitor their email accounts for updates regarding rescheduled dates. Nonetheless, visa operations at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos remain fully functional, while emergency services for American citizens continue to be available both in Abuja and Lagos.
Further reinforcing its position, the U.S. government issued an updated travel advisory via its official channels, placing Nigeria under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification. Additionally, it designated several states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” citing serious risks associated with insecurity.
According to the advisory, states in the Middle Belt and northern regions, including Borno, Yobe, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Jigawa, and northern Adamawa, were flagged due to concerns over terrorism, armed conflict, and kidnapping. Other states such as Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara were also listed as high-risk areas owing to persistent unrest and criminal activity.
In the southern and southeastern parts of the country, the advisory extended similar warnings to Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states—excluding Port Harcourt—highlighting issues such as armed violence, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Altogether, approximately 23 of Nigeria’s 36 states were affected by varying degrees of travel restrictions.
The U.S. advisory described the security situation in these areas as “unstable and unpredictable,” citing factors such as inter-communal violence, organised crime, and roadside banditry. It warned that violent crimes—including armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom—remain widespread, with foreign nationals, particularly Americans, often perceived as lucrative targets.
It also drew attention to the persistent threat of terrorist attacks nationwide, noting that such incidents could occur in crowded public spaces such as markets, shopping centres, hotels, places of worship, and large gatherings. Additionally, the advisory raised concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, describing it as limited and inconsistent when compared to standards in the United States or Europe.
In light of these risks, the U.S. government urged its citizens to exercise heightened caution, avoid large gatherings, and adopt personal security measures. It also encouraged travellers to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrolment Programme to receive real-time updates and establish safety protocols, including “proof of life” arrangements in case of emergencies.
Despite these warnings, the Nigerian government has moved swiftly to counter what it considers an overly broad characterisation of the country’s security situation. In an official response, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasised that Nigeria remains largely peaceful and functional.
Speaking through a statement issued by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris clarified that while security challenges do exist in certain areas, they are localised and do not amount to a nationwide breakdown of law and order. He described the U.S. advisory as a precautionary measure based on internal risk assessment frameworks rather than a reflection of widespread instability.
“While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable,” the minister stated.
Idris further highlighted the ongoing efforts of Nigerian security agencies, noting that coordinated military operations, intelligence-driven interventions, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration have led to measurable improvements in safety across various regions.
According to him, these efforts have significantly disrupted criminal networks, curtailed the activities of armed groups, and restored a sense of normalcy in previously affected communities. He stressed that security forces remain fully committed to protecting lives and property, and that their successes are becoming increasingly evident.
The minister also underscored Nigeria’s continued openness to international engagement, affirming that the country remains a viable destination for investment, tourism, and business activities. He urged foreign governments and partners to engage directly with Nigerian authorities to obtain accurate and up-to-date information about the security landscape.
“We encourage our international partners to continuously engage with Nigerian authorities to obtain a more comprehensive and current understanding of the situation on the ground,” Idris said.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Federal Government pledged to sustain ongoing efforts aimed at improving safety, safeguarding citizens, and ensuring that Nigeria remains a welcoming environment for both residents and visitors.
This is not the first time the United States has issued such advisories concerning Nigeria. In October 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja released a similar warning, citing an elevated risk of terrorist attacks in the capital. At the time, American citizens were advised to avoid travel to Abuja, while those already in the city were encouraged to consider departing through available commercial means.
That advisory was followed by a series of actions from the U.S. government, including the authorisation of the departure of non-emergency personnel on October 25, 2022, and the subsequent evacuation of family members of U.S. government employees two days later.
As part of those earlier measures, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja scaled down its operations to focus on emergency services, while the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos assumed responsibility for routine consular functions. American citizens who were unable to secure travel arrangements were directed to seek assistance from the Lagos consulate.
The recurrence of such advisories highlights the complex and evolving nature of Nigeria’s security environment, which continues to be shaped by a mix of regional conflicts, criminal activity, and socio-economic challenges.
Nonetheless, the Federal Government remains steadfast in its position that the situation is under control and that significant progress is being made. For Nigerian authorities, the priority is not only to address existing threats but also to reassure both citizens and international stakeholders of the country’s resilience and stability.
As the situation develops, observers will be watching closely to see how both domestic security measures and international perceptions of Nigeria’s safety continue to evolve in the coming months.
