“Is Nigeria Still Safe? U.S. Evacuation Sparks Global Panic Over Tinubu’s Failing Security Architecture”
By Passman Akpos
The United States Department of State has suspended visa appointment services at its embassy in Abuja following a sharp escalation in security concerns across Nigeria, triggering the evacuation of non-essential personnel and their families.
In an official notice released Thursday via X by the U.S. Mission Nigeria, the embassy confirmed the immediate halt 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 statement read.
The development comes barely 24 hours after Washington authorised the departure of non-emergency staff from its Abuja mission, citing what it described as a “deteriorating security situation” nationwide.
An updated travel advisory issued on April 8 maintained Nigeria at Level 3—urging American citizens to reconsider travel due to mounting threats from terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest.
In a significant escalation, U.S. authorities expanded their “Do Not Travel” list to include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states, warning that conditions in these regions have worsened considerably.
The advisory painted a stark picture of insecurity across the country, highlighting widespread threats in northern states such as Borno, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa, where insurgent activity remains persistent. Other states including Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara were flagged for rampant banditry and mass abductions.
In the southern region, areas in Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt) were also listed as high-risk zones due to criminal gangs, separatist violence, and frequent kidnappings.
According to U.S. officials, violent crimes—including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, rape, and hostage-taking—are widespread, with kidnapping for ransom described as “frequent,” particularly targeting foreigners and dual nationals perceived to be wealthy.
The advisory further warned of increasing attacks along major highways, where armed groups reportedly ambush and abduct travelers. It also raised alarms over coordinated terrorist threats, noting that insurgent groups continue to target public spaces such as markets, schools, religious centres, and transportation hubs.
Beyond security, the U.S. government expressed concern over Nigeria’s healthcare system, stating that medical facilities often fall below international standards and lack essential supplies.
Despite the shutdown in Abuja, visa and consular services remain operational at the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, offering a limited alternative for applicants amid the heightened alert.
The move is expected to intensify global scrutiny of Nigeria’s security challenges and could have broader implications for diplomatic relations, international travel, and investor confidence in Africa’s largest economy.
