The United States has cancelled visa appointments and authorized the departure of non-emergency staff from its Embassy in Abuja, citing a “deteriorating security situation” in Nigeria.
In a notice dated April 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of State said it had authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency government employees and family members from the Abuja mission.
The embassy remains open but will have limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.
The U.S. Embassy announced it has temporarily suspended regular consular services in Abuja, including visa and American Citizen Services, “due to reasons beyond our control”.
Applicants are being contacted to reschedule, with consular functions continuing at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos. American citizen services remain available in Abuja for emergencies and by appointment.
The State Department also updated its travel advisory, urging Americans to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent health care services.
The overall advisory is Level 3: Reconsider Travel, while 23 states, including Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba, are now Level 4: Do Not Travel.
The authorization follows recent attacks near Abuja. Gunmen on motorbikes stormed two villages in Niger State, about 155 miles from the capital, killing 20 people. U.S. citizens in Abuja have been advised to consider departing if they do not need to remain for emergency or essential purposes.
The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos continues to provide routine and emergency services.
The embassy urged the public to monitor its website and social media for updates on consular operations.
