Overview
- The State Department, which authorized voluntary departure on Wednesday, kept Nigeria at Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” as it updated guidance.
- The update added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba to the Level 4 “Do Not Travel” list, joining many other high-risk states across the north and south.
- The embassy in Abuja remains open with limited emergency help for U.S. citizens, while the Lagos consulate continues routine and emergency services.
- The shift followed attacks Tuesday in Niger state near the capital, where residents reported about 20 killed and police confirmed three deaths.
- U.S. security cooperation with Nigeria has expanded this year, including training by roughly 200 troops and reported MQ-9 drone surveillance, yet officials warn that terrorists and criminal gangs still pose severe risks.