The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians and the international community that the country remains safe for residents and visitors, even as the United States ordered the evacuation of non-emergency staff and their families from its embassy in Abuja.

While the US cited security concerns across 23 states, the Federal Government, on Thursday, insisted that Nigeria continues to maintain a stable security environment and urged citizens to remain calm.

Earlier on Wednesday, the US Department of State authorised the departure of non-emergency government employees and their family members from the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.

The embassy also closed for visa appointments in Abuja, asking applicants to check their email for details on rescheduled appointments.

The statement posted on its website, however, said visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos would continue.

It added that American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.

In an updated travel advisory posted on its official X account, the department said that, effective April 8, 2026, Americans should reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest.

The advisory maintained Nigeria’s overall status at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while designating several states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”

States listed under Level 4 include those in the Middle Belt and northern parts of Nigeria.

The advisory urged US citizens to avoid travel to Borno, Yobe, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Jigawa and northern Adamawa, due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping.

The department also highlighted Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states as high-risk areas due to unrest, crime and kidnapping.

In the southern and south-eastern regions, Americans were advised to avoid Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers states — except Port Harcourt — over similar security concerns.

Altogether, about 23 of Nigeria’s 36 states are affected by varying levels of travel restrictions.

“The security situation in these states is unstable and unpredictable due to civil unrest, inter-communal violence, and armed crime, including kidnapping and roadside banditry,” the advisory said.

“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised non-emergency US government employees and family members to leave the US Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation.

“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping and inconsistent availability of healthcare services. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning,” it added.

The advisory noted that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping for ransom are widespread, adding that US citizens are often perceived as wealthy and may be targeted.

It also warned that terrorist attacks remained a threat nationwide, including in markets, shopping centres, hotels, places of worship and public gatherings.

The department further described healthcare services in Nigeria as limited and inconsistent, noting that medical facilities often fell short of US or European standards.

It urged US citizens considering travel to Nigeria to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrolment Programme for updates, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and establish personal safety measures, including “proof of life” protocols.

The Federal Government, however, assured Nigerians and the international community that the country remains secure and fully operational following a United States travel advisory urging non-emergency personnel to leave its embassy in Abuja.

The US Department of State cited a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria in its advisory, which also advised American citizens to reconsider travel to the country due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

In response, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement issued by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, said the advisory did not reflect the overall security situation in Nigeria.

Idris described the US decision as a precaution based on internal protocols rather than an indication of widespread insecurity.

The minister added, “While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable.”

He pointed to ongoing security operations across multiple regions, noting that coordinated military action, intelligence-led interventions, and closer inter-agency collaboration have produced measurable results.

“Our security agencies remain actively engaged in protecting lives and property, and the results of these efforts are increasingly evident,” he said, adding that these efforts had disrupted criminal networks, limited the activities of armed groups, and improved safety in vulnerable communities.

The minister also emphasised that Nigeria continues to welcome business, investment, and travel.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Abia State chapter has denied plans to sponsor a protest against the Governor Alex Otti led administration in the state.

The State government, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity,Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, alleged that the opposition is planning to stage a protest under the tag; ‘Tinubu Dey Work, Otti Dey Chop’ in the state.

However, the APC while reacting to the accusation through its state publicity secretary,Uche Aguoru, reminded the Otti led administration that it has the duty of maintaining law and order in the state.

The APC said; “However, given the Abia State Government’s well-established reputation for propaganda, misinformation, and calculated public deception, it is both reasonable and necessary to question the intent behind this claim.

“There is a strong possibility that this narrative is a deliberate ploy to divert public attention from the mounting concerns over governance failures, financial opacity, and the apparent mismanagement of public resources under the current administration.

“In recent months, citizens of Abia State have become increasingly vocal, demanding transparency and accountability regarding the management of state finances.

“Available records shows that over one trillion naira has accrued to the state with little to no corresponding improvement in infrastructure or the welfare of the people. These concerns remain largely unanswered, fueling public distrust and deepening suspicion of systemic mismanagement and possible financial impropriety.”

The APC stated that it is not aware of any planned protest,as it has never been known for orchestrating protests in the state.

“The APC is a responsible and law-abiding political party that does not engage in actions capable of disrupting public peace or undermining the security and wellbeing of citizens.

“Our party, both within Abia State and nationally, is not known for orchestrating protests or encouraging civil unrest. On the contrary, our track record reflects a commitment to lawful engagement, constructive opposition, and responsible political conduct. It is instructive, however, that those attempting to attribute such actions to the opposition belong to a political tradition that has, on multiple occasions, resorted to protests and confrontational tactics, accompanied by violence and disregard for rule of law.

“Given this context, it is not far fetched to consider that the present alarm raised by the Abia State Government may itself be part of a staged narrative designed to manufacture a crisis, shift blame to the opposition, and ultimately distract from legitimate public scrutiny over governance issues.”

The party called on law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and impartial in the discharge of their duties to ensure that the peace and security of citizens are not compromised.

“Any credible intelligence regarding threats to public order should be acted upon decisively. However, it is equally important to guard against the misuse of state apparatus in advancing politically motivated narratives or suppressing legitimate opposition.”

Source: Vanguard.

The Member, representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Chris Nkwonta, has enjoined his Constituents and Nigerians, to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, hope, patience, humility and love for humanity as exemplified by Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the real essence of Easter Celebration.

In a statement personally signed by the Legislator, he called on his Constituents and the Christian Community in Nigeria to demonstrate Christ-like virtues of love for humanity, hope for a better future, peaceful and harmonious disposition in their dealings with one another for a United Ukwa Federal Constituency and indeed Nigeria, where brotherly love reigns amongst Citizens.

He maintained that despite the prevailing temporary economic difficulties; there is light at the end of the tunnel and strong hope for a better, improved and secured economy within a short period of time.

Hon. Nkwonta, wished everyone a hitch free and joyous Easter Celebration.