US Allows Some Nigeria Embassy Staff to Evacuate Over 'Deteriorating Security Situation

The US Department of State has authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees and their family members from the US Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, citing a deteriorating security situation. This decision affects the US Embassy in Abuja, but the US Consulate General in Lagos will continue to provide routine and emergency services to US citizens in Nigeria ¹.

The security concerns cited include crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest, with 23 states currently under a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory. Some of the high-risk areas include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa, due to terrorism, armed crime, and kidnapping ² ³.

The Nigerian government has pushed back on the accusation, stating that the country is safe for residents and visitors, and coordinated security operations are ongoing to address insurgency, banditry, and criminal networks. However, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has warned that the US directive signals fading international confidence in Nigeria's security system and leadership ⁴.

The US advisory maintains Nigeria's overall Level 3 travel advisory status, recommending travelers reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. The advisory also lists several states under Level 4, advising Americans to avoid these areas entirely ³.

The security situation in Nigeria has been worsening, with terrorist groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) collaborating with local gangs to expand their reach. The US has deployed about 100 soldiers and supplied military equipment to help Nigeria fight terror groups ¹ ⁵.

The US Embassy in Abuja will remain open but with limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Nigeria. US citizens are advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for important updates, exercise caution while traveling, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and establish personal safety and "proof of life" protocols ⁶ ⁷.

The situation is being closely monitored, and the US reviews the advisory several times a year.