FG Insists Nigeria Safe as US Withdraws Embassy Staff, Issues Travel Advisory

Government downplays security concerns, urges calm as Washington suspends visa services in Abuja

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By Maureen Adejo | Abuja, Nigeria – April 10, 2026

The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians and the international community that the country remains safe and stable, following the decision by the United States to withdraw non-emergency embassy staff from Abuja over security concerns.

The US Department of State had earlier authorised the departure of non-essential personnel and their families from its Abuja embassy, citing a deteriorating security situation across parts of Nigeria. The embassy also suspended visa appointments in Abuja, directing applicants to await rescheduling updates, while operations at the US Consulate in Lagos continue.

In an updated travel advisory, Washington urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria, maintaining the country at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while designating several states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel” due to risks including terrorism, kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest.

The advisory listed multiple states across the North, Middle Belt, and parts of the South-East and South-South as high-risk zones, warning of unpredictable security conditions, inter-communal violence, and armed criminal activities such as kidnapping and banditry.

It also cautioned that violent crimes—including armed robbery, carjacking, and ransom kidnappings—remain prevalent, while террорист threats persist in public places such as markets, worship centres, and transport hubs.

Additionally, the US flagged concerns about limited and inconsistent healthcare services, advising its citizens to adopt heightened personal security measures and enrol in safety programmes before travelling.

FG Rejects Generalised Insecurity Claims
Reacting to the development, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the US advisory does not reflect the overall security reality in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris described the US action as a routine precaution based on internal protocols rather than evidence of a nationwide security breakdown.

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“While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general collapse of law and order. The vast majority of the country remains stable,” he stated.

The minister highlighted ongoing military and intelligence-led operations across the country, noting that coordinated security efforts have disrupted criminal networks and improved safety in vulnerable communities.

“Our security agencies remain fully engaged in protecting lives and property, and the results are increasingly evident,” he added.

Nigeria Open for Business, Travel
The Federal Government reiterated that Nigeria remains open for business, investment, and tourism, urging citizens to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear.

Idris also called on international partners to engage Nigerian authorities for accurate and up-to-date assessments of the security situation, rather than relying solely on external advisories.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining security improvements and ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors.

Not the First Advisory
This development mirrors a similar situation in October 2022, when the US Embassy issued a travel warning over potential террорист threats in Abuja and temporarily scaled down operations.

Despite recurring advisories, Nigerian authorities maintain that security conditions are being actively managed and are improving through sustained interventions.