The Federal Government has maintained that Nigeria remains safe and stable despite a decision by the United States Department of State to evacuate non-emergency personnel and their families from its embassy in Abuja.
The US move, announced on April 8, 2026, followed a revised travel advisory citing concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest across parts of the country. The advisory placed Nigeria at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while designating about 23 states under stricter “Level 4: Do Not Travel” guidance.
The affected areas span parts of the North, Middle Belt, and southern regions, where the US warned of unstable and unpredictable security conditions driven by armed crime, inter-communal violence, and terrorist threats. The advisory also highlighted risks in public places such as markets, religious centres, hotels, and transport hubs, and noted concerns about limited healthcare capacity.
As part of the precautionary measures, visa services at the US Embassy in Abuja were suspended, while operations at the consulate in Lagos continue. Emergency consular services remain available by appointment.
In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the advisory as a routine precaution based on internal US protocols rather than a reflection of the overall security situation in the country.
He stressed that while isolated security challenges persist in some locations, there is no general breakdown of law and order nationwide. According to him, most parts of Nigeria remain stable and fully operational.
The minister pointed to ongoing efforts by security agencies, including coordinated military operations, intelligence-driven interventions, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration, which he said have led to measurable gains. These efforts, he noted, have helped disrupt criminal networks, curb the activities of armed groups, and improve safety in vulnerable communities.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s openness, Idris said the country remains welcoming to investors, businesses, and visitors. He also urged international partners to engage more closely with Nigerian authorities to obtain accurate and up-to-date assessments of the security landscape.
While acknowledging the right of countries to issue travel advisories, the Federal Government emphasised its commitment to sustaining security improvements and safeguarding both citizens and foreigners.
The latest development echoes a similar episode in 2022, when the United States issued security alerts and scaled down embassy operations in Abuja over fears of possible terrorist attacks, temporarily shifting more services to Lagos.
