The United States has authorised the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from its embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security conditions in parts of Nigeria.

The directive, issued by the US State Department on Wednesday, followed an updated travel advisory that placed several Nigerian states on its “Do not travel” list due to risks linked to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.

Newly added states include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba, amid a surge in violent attacks across these regions.

The decision comes on the heels of recent deadly incidents. On March 29, gunmen attacked the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba in Jos North, killing more than 20 people and injuring several others during Palm Sunday celebrations. Similar attacks were reported in parts of Niger and Kebbi states, where at least 20 people were killed in separate incidents.

The advisory also reiterates long-standing travel restrictions on multiple states across the country, including Borno, Kogi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, and several states in the south-east and south-south regions.

The move aligns with earlier warnings from the United Kingdom, which in November cautioned its citizens against non-essential travel to over 20 Nigerian states.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s security challenges have been reflected in global rankings. In the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, the country was ranked the fourth most affected by terrorism worldwide, recording a 43 percent increase in fatalities compared to the previous year.

The report attributed the majority of terrorism-related deaths to insurgent groups such as ISWAP and Boko Haram.

Amid the escalating violence, calls have intensified from religious and civic leaders for the federal government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity.