Travelers are being advised to reconsider going to Africa’s most populous country.
The U.S. Department of State recently updated its travel advisory for the country of Nigeria, adding several areas to its highest warning level in addition to the country-wide warning to reconsider traveling there. The advisory was issued due to a combination of civil unrest, crime, health, kidnapping, and terrorism.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the State Department wrote, adding “Violent crime is common throughout Nigeria. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape… They primarily target dual national citizens visiting Nigeria.”
The department added several areas in Nigeria to its highest Level 4 classification “due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping,” which comes with a “do not travel” warning attached. These include the Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states.
“The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain. This is because of widespread terrorist activity, violence between communities, and kidnapping,” the department said. “Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.”
For the country as a whole, the State Department continues to classify it under the second-highest Level 3, recommending Americans “reconsider travel” there.
Travelers who do plan to visit Nigeria should carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, review their travel routes and times, keep a low profile, use caution when walking or driving, be extra vigilant when visiting a bank or ATM, establish a “proof of life” protocol, and remain alert in locations popular with foreign tourists, according to the department.
Beyond these safety precautions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned Americans to “practice enhanced precautions” when visiting due to the risk of diphtheria. The bacterial infection is spread through respiratory droplets and can cause respiratory issues.
In addition, the CDC recommends travelers heading to Nigeria ensure they are up to date on routine vaccinations, including for chickenpox, flu, measles, mumps, and rubella, polio, and shingles, and take malaria prevention medication.
For its part, the State Department advised healthcare facilities may not be able to treat emergencies, and travelers should bring all medications with them as pharmacies may not be stocked with common medications.
With an estimated population of more than 239.4 million people, according to Britannica, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. The second-most populous country on the continent was the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has an estimated population of just over 116 million people.
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