Breaking: Trump's Govt Releases Fresh Security Alert in Nigeria, "Avoid These States Now"
- The Donald Trump administration issued a fresh Nigeria travel advisory, warning Americans to avoid several high-risk states
- The US Department of State said there was no change in threat level as embassy staff were withdrawn over security concerns
- Authorities listed multiple states in north and south Nigeria as must-avoid due to terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime risks
The Donald Trump administration has released an updated travel advisory on Nigeria, warning American citizens to avoid several states.
The warning by the United States follows heightened security concerns, even as officials stress that the overall threat level is unchanged.
Source: Getty Images
In the latest update, authorities added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states to the list of locations Americans are strongly advised not to visit, citing persistent risks linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime.
The US Department of State stated, as follows:
“There were no changes to the Travel Advisory Level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.”
The update follows a decision on April 8, 2026, authorising the departure of non-emergency US government staff and their families from the US Embassy in Abuja due to what officials described as a deteriorating security environment.
Areas placed under ‘do not travel’ category
The advisory identifies multiple regions across Nigeria where Americans are warned against travelling under any circumstances.
States affected include Borno, Yobe, Kogi, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, and parts of Adamawa due to terrorism and kidnapping threats.
Others, such as Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi, and Gombe, have been flagged due to unrest and criminal activity.
In the southern region, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) were also listed due to widespread crime and instability.
Nigeria: Crime, kidnapping remain major risks
Officials warned that violent crime remains prevalent across the country, noting that 'violent crime is common throughout Nigeria', including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, and kidnapping.
The advisory further states that 'kidnappings for ransom happen often', adding that foreigners, particularly Americans, are frequently targeted due to perceptions of wealth.
US: Terror threats persist across public spaces
The US government also raised concerns over ongoing terrorist threats, warning that attacks could occur without warning in crowded public places.
Potential targets listed include shopping centres, markets, hotels, places of worship, schools, and transport hubs.
“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria,” the advisory stated, highlighting collaboration between extremist groups and local criminal networks.
Civil unrest and regional violence highlighted
The report pointed to persistent unrest in parts of southern Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta and South-East, where armed gangs and violent protests have remained a concern.
It also noted recurring clashes between farming and herding communities in rural areas, contributing to instability in several regions.
Iran war: US issues alert over protests
Legit.ng earlier reported that the United States Embassy had also warned its citizens of potential protests expected to take place in Abuja on March 4, 2026.
The protests, according to the embassy, were linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran, and they could escalate into violence, advising Americans to stay home.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
