The United States has authorised the departure of non-essential government staff and their families from its embassy in Abuja following a surge in violent attacks across parts of Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision was announced by the US State Department as part of an updated travel advisory citing a worsening security situation in the country.
The advisory followed recent deadly attacks in states including Kebbi, Niger, and Plateau. In Jos, gunmen reportedly killed over 20 people in an ആക്രമation that coincided with Palm Sunday celebrations, while similar attacks in Niger and Kebbi states left dozens dead.
As a result, several states including Plateau, Niger, Jigawa, Kwara, and Taraba were added to the US “Do Not Travel” list due to risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime.
The US government warned that attacks could occur with little or no warning and may target public places such as markets, schools, places of worship, and transport hubs.
This move reflects growing international concern over Nigeria’s security challenges. Reports also indicate that extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP remain responsible for a large proportion of terror-related deaths in the country.
In a related development, the US also urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria, emphasizing the heightened risks across multiple regions.
