US Begins Drawdown of Abuja Embassy Personnel Amid Escalating Attacks in Nigeria
The United States government has initiated a partial evacuation of its embassy personnel in Abuja, directing non-essential staff and their families to leave Nigeria over heightened security concerns.
The decision, announced in a revised travel advisory on Wednesday, follows a series of deadly attacks across parts of the country, particularly in Plateau, Niger, and Kebbi states.
Washington cited increasing threats linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime, leading to the expansion of its “Do Not Travel” list to include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states.
Recent incidents underscoring the move include the killing of more than 20 people in a Palm Sunday attack in Jos, as well as coordinated assaults in Niger and Kebbi states that claimed multiple lives.
Quote: “Due to the deteriorating security environment, non-emergency US government employees and eligible family members have been authorised to depart,” the advisory noted.
The development signals growing international alarm over Nigeria’s security situation, which has continued to worsen despite ongoing military operations.
Further highlighting the concern, Nigeria was ranked the fourth most terrorism-impacted country globally in the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, with insurgent groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP responsible for the majority of attacks.
The renewed violence has intensified pressure on the federal government, with stakeholders calling for stronger measures to address insecurity nationwide.
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