…Maintains Lagos Operations as Washington Orders Partial Staff Exit
….FG Dismisses Advisory, Insists Nigeria Remains Stable
The United States Embassy in Abuja has cancelled all visa appointments, directing affected applicants to monitor their emails for information on rescheduled dates.
In a notice issued on Thursday, the Embassy stated that visa operations would, however, continue at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, while American citizen services remain available by appointment or in emergency situations.
The development follows a decision by the U.S. Department of State to authorise the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their families from the Abuja embassy, citing a deteriorating security environment across Nigeria.
In an updated travel advisory, Washington urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and inconsistent healthcare services. The country was placed on a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, with several states listed under the stricter “Level 4: Do Not Travel” category.
According to the advisory, states in the North-East and North-Central regions—including Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Plateau, Niger, and parts of Adamawa—face heightened risks linked to terrorism and kidnapping. Other states such as Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi, and Gombe were also flagged due to security concerns.
The advisory noted that the latest measures were taken on April 8, 2026, following a review of the country’s security situation.
Reacting to the development, the Federal Government described the U.S. action as a routine precaution that does not reflect the overall reality in Nigeria.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Thursday, said the advisory was based on internal protocols and should not be interpreted as an indication of systemic collapse.
“While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable,” he said.
Idris added that Nigerian security agencies remain actively engaged in safeguarding lives and property, noting that tangible progress is being made.
He also urged international partners to adopt balanced and up-to-date reporting that reflects ongoing improvements in the country’s security landscape.
The updated advisory comes amid renewed attacks in parts of the country. On March 29, gunmen reportedly killed over 20 residents in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, Plateau State, during the Palm Sunday period. Similar attacks were recorded on April 7 in parts of Niger and Kebbi states, with multiple casualties reported.
Despite these incidents, the Federal Government maintains that the situation remains under control and continues to call for sustained cooperation with global partners.
