US Authorises Departure of Non-Essential Embassy Staff from Nigeria Amid Rising Insecurity
The United States Department of State has authorised the departure of non-essential personnel and family members from its embassy in Abuja following growing security concerns across Nigeria.
According to an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the decision comes amid worsening threats linked to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping in several parts of the country.
The advisory added new states to the US “Do Not Travel” list, including Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba, citing recent violent incidents as the basis for the change.
Among the attacks referenced was the March 29 assault on Gari Ya Waye in Anguwan Rukuba, located in Jos North of Plateau State, where more than 20 people were killed and several others injured. The incident occurred during celebrations marking Palm Sunday.
In a separate incident earlier this week, gunmen reportedly killed at least 20 people in parts of Niger State, with additional casualties recorded in Kebbi State.
The advisory maintains that several other states across the country remain high-risk zones. These include Borno, Kogi, Yobe, Adamawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, and parts of the South-East and South-South regions, all flagged over persistent security threats.
The development follows a similar move by the United Kingdom last November, when it cautioned its citizens against non-essential travel to over 20 Nigerian states, including Niger, Plateau, and Kebbi.
