IGBOZURUOKE MEDIA

The United States Department of State has shut down visa appointment services at its embassy in Abuja following the authorisation for non-emergency personnel and their families to leave Nigeria over worsening security concerns. 

In a notice posted by the US Mission in Nigeria via X on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the embassy confirmed the suspension of visa-related activities in the nation’s capital. 

“U.S. Embassy 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.” 

The development comes barely 24 hours after the US government authorised the departure of non-essential staff from its Abuja embassy, citing what it described as a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.

The authorisation, granted on Wednesday, was contained in an updated travel advisory.

The advisory, issued on April 8, 2026, showed that Nigeria remains on Level 3, with American citizens urged to reconsider travelling to the country due to escalating insecurity driven by terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest.

According to U.S. authorities, the situation has worsened in several regions, prompting the addition of Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states to the “Do Not Travel” list.

The advisory further disclosed that the U.S. government had “authorised the departure of non-emergency staff and family members from its embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security conditions.”

It warned Americans against travelling to multiple high-risk states. 

Areas identified under terrorism, crime, and kidnapping threats include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa, where insurgent activities and violent clashes persist.

Other states such as Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara were also flagged due to ongoing unrest, armed banditry, and widespread abductions.

In southern Nigeria, the advisory cautioned against visits to Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt), citing criminal gangs, separatist-linked violence, and frequent kidnappings.

US authorities painted a grim picture of nationwide insecurity, noting that violent crimes including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, rape, and hostage-taking are prevalent.

“Kidnapping for ransom,” the advisory noted, “occurs frequently, particularly targeting dual nationals and foreigners perceived to be wealthy.”

The report also highlighted increased attacks by armed gangs on highways, where motorists are often stopped and abducted.

Beyond criminality, the advisory warned of persistent terrorist threats, stating that insurgent groups continue to plan and execute attacks, sometimes in coordination with local criminal networks. Likely targets include markets, schools, religious centers, government facilities, and transport hubs.

The advisory also underscored rising communal clashes, particularly between farmers and herders in rural areas, as well as escalating violence in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions involving armed groups.

In addition, the U.S. government raised concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, warning that medical facilities fall below international standards and frequently lack essential medicines.

Despite the closure of visa services in Abuja, operations remain ongoing at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, providing a limited window for consular services amid the heightened security alert. (Sahara Reporters)