US adds Plateau, Kwara, others to ‘do not travel’ list, evacuates staff

The United States Department of State has renewed its travel advisory for Nigeria, warning American citizens to reconsider all travel to the country amid worsening insecurity driven by terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest.

The updated advisory, issued on Wednesday, retains Nigeria at Level 3 but expands its “Do Not Travel” designation to include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states — a move reflecting deepening American concern over deteriorating safety conditions.

Washington also authorised the voluntary departure of non-emergency staff and their family members from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.

The advisory identifies a broad swath of states as high-risk.

Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa are flagged for elevated threats of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.

Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara are cited for persistent armed banditry and mass abductions.

In the South, the State Department warned against travel to Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states — with the exception of Port Harcourt — pointing to criminal gang activity, separatist-linked violence, and frequent kidnappings.

Nationwide, the advisory paints a bleak security picture, noting that armed robbery, carjacking, assault, rape, and hostage-taking are widespread.

Kidnapping for ransom — frequently targeting individuals perceived as wealthy — remains a serious threat, with armed gangs intensifying attacks on major highways.

Terrorist organisations, the advisory warns, continue to plan and carry out attacks, sometimes in coordination with local criminal networks.

Potential targets include markets, schools, places of worship, government buildings, shopping centres, and transport hubs.

The document also flags rising communal violence, particularly farmer-herder clashes in rural communities, alongside escalating armed group activity in the Niger Delta and Southeast.

Concerns extend beyond physical security. The State Department noted that Nigeria’s healthcare system frequently falls below international standards — often lacking essential medicines, requiring upfront cash payments, and offering unreliable emergency services.

Travellers are advised to obtain comprehensive medical and evacuation insurance before visiting.

Americans who must travel to Nigeria are urged to exercise extreme caution, avoid large gatherings, vary their routes regularly, and establish emergency communication plans.

The department cautioned that U.S. authorities may be unable to render assistance in designated high-risk zones.

The latest advisory underscores mounting international alarm over Nigeria’s expanding security crisis, which has displaced millions and left large parts of the country exposed to persistent violence.