US Withdraws Non-Essential Staff from Abuja as Nigeria Security Deteriorates
ABUJA – The United States has begun pulling non-essential embassy personnel and family members out of Nigeria’s capital, citing worsening security conditions across the country.
In an updated travel advisory, the State Department warned Americans to reconsider any travel to Nigeria due to pervasive risks including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
“Violent crime — such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom — is widespread,” the advisory stated, adding that U.S. citizens are often perceived as wealthy and may be specifically targeted.
The alert also noted that terrorist attacks remain a threat in public spaces, including markets, shopping centers, hotels, places of worship, and large gatherings.
Beyond security concerns, the advisory highlighted limited and uneven healthcare services in Nigeria, with many medical facilities falling below U.S. and European standards.
The decision to reduce embassy staffing reflects growing concern over the safety of American government personnel and their families in the West African nation.
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