Overview
- The State Department updated its Nigeria advisory Wednesday, kept the country at Level 3, and expanded Level 4 “Do Not Travel” to 23 states by adding Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba.
- Non-emergency staff and families at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja were authorized to depart, the embassy remains open with limited emergency help, and the Lagos consulate continues routine and emergency services.
- After the staffing change, the embassy canceled all visa appointments in Abuja and directed applicants to continue processing at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.
- The advisory cites widespread violent crime, kidnapping and terrorism, warns that attackers could strike public places without notice, and notes Americans are often seen as wealthy targets.
- Nigeria’s government called the warning unbalanced and highlighted security gains, while U.S. military training and MQ-9 drone support continue and businesses weigh travel and staffing decisions.