The United States Embassy in Abuja has announced the cancellation of all visa appointments, directing affected applicants to check their emails for information on rescheduled dates.
In a notice issued on Thursday, the Embassy stated that visa operations would, however, continue at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos. It also noted that services for American citizens remain available by appointment or in emergency situations.
The development follows a decision by the United States Department of State to authorize the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members from the Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.
In an updated travel advisory, the Department urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
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The advisory placed Nigeria under “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while designating some states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” the highest warning level.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory stated.
It further cautioned that “reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some areas have increased risk.”
States listed under the highest risk category include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern parts of Adamawa, largely due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
Other states such as Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara were also flagged, with concerns centered on unrest, criminal activities, and abductions.
The move signals heightened concern by U.S. authorities over the evolving security landscape in Nigeria.