US orders non-emergency staff to leave Nigeria embassy after Kebbi, Niger, Jos attacks
The United States has authorised the departure of non-emergency government employees and their families from its embassy in Abuja, citing a worsening security situation across Nigeria.
The decision was announced on Wednesday in an updated travel advisory issued by the US State Department.
According to the advisory, several states including Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba have been added to the “Do Not Travel” list due to heightened risks of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. This update follows a wave of recent violent attacks in different parts of the country.
On March 29, gunmen attacked the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba in Jos North, killing more than 20 residents and injuring several others. The assault coincided with the Christian observance of Palm Sunday.
In a separate incident on Tuesday, at least 20 people were reportedly killed in multiple communities in Niger State, while additional fatalities were recorded in Kebbi State.
The updated advisory now includes a long list of high-risk states such as Borno, Kogi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, and several others across both northern and southern regions.
This move aligns with similar warnings issued by other countries. In November, the United Kingdom advised its citizens against non-essential travel to 21 Nigerian states, including Niger, Plateau, and Kebbi.
Nigeria drops in Global Terrorism Index
Nigeria’s security challenges are further highlighted in the 2026 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), where the country ranks as the fourth most unsafe in the world.
The report indicates that Nigeria recorded the largest increase in terrorism-related fatalities globally, with deaths rising by 43 percent compared to 2024.
Militant groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram were responsible for 82.8 percent of terrorism-related deaths in 2025.
Pakistan ranked first on the index, followed by Burkina Faso and Niger Republic.
Calls for emergency action
In response to the escalating violence, several religious leaders have urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity.
The recent developments continue to raise concerns about safety, governance, and the overall stability of the country.