U.S. authorizes voluntary departure of non-emergency embassy staff from Abuja and updates Nigeria travel advisory

What changed in the U.S. advisory on Nigeria?

The U.S. kept Nigeria at Level 3, "Reconsider Travel," but updated the advisory to authorize the departure of non-emergency embassy staff from Abuja and added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba to the Level 4 "Do Not Travel" list Newsweek,ThePrint,Punch Newspapers.

Why did the U.S. say Americans should reconsider travel to Nigeria?

The State Department cited risks including terrorism, kidnapping, crime and civil unrest, and said the security environment had deteriorated across the country BBC,Punch Newspapers,Daily Post Nigeria.

How has the embassy's operation in Abuja been affected?

The U.S. mission said the embassy in Abuja was closed for visa appointments, asked applicants to check email for rescheduling details, and said visa operations in Lagos were continuing; emergency and appointment-based American citizen services remained available Punch Newspapers,Vanguard,Sahara Reporters.