The USA has announced that American government employees and their family members in Nigeria are to leave the U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.
On April 8, 2026, the U.S. State Department allowed voluntary departure of non-emergency employees and families from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja due to Nigeria’s worsening security, highlighted by the April 9 assault in Benisheikh that troops repelled at the cost of lives including possibly Brigadier-General O. Braimah.
The U.S Embassy in an announcement on Thursday stated that: “Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments. Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.”
Nigeria’s travel advisory stays at Level 3 overall, with Level 4 Do Not Travel expanded to numerous states facing terrorism, crime, and unrest; the embassy also suspended visa services.
Voicing alarm is the 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, stating that the U.S directive is worrisome and “and should be treated as a national emergency, especially for a country already struggling to attract investors.”
Obi pointed out that: “Nigeria currently ranks fourth in the Global Terrorism Index, yet insecurity continues to worsen – lives are being lost and communities remain under constant threat. There is a glaring absence of effective governance; instead, what prevails are schemes that undermine democratic processes, as though politics has taken precedence over the safety of citizens.”
He further more declared that: “
The U.S. directive is a clear signal of declining confidence in our national security architecture. Disturbingly, reports indicate the loss of yet another Army Brigadier General to terrorists in Borno earlier today. A nation where people cannot live, work, worship, or travel safely cannot progress or attract investment.
“The primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property, yet in this regard, we as leaders have fallen short over the years. Our failure continues to place immense strain on our troops, who make the ultimate sacrifices.” Obi added
