Abuja — The Federal Government has faulted the United States’ decision to authorize the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from its embassy in Abuja, describing the move as a precautionary step based on internal protocols rather than the current security realities in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reassured Nigerians and the international community that public institutions across the country remain fully operational, with no disruption to governance, economic activities, or daily life.
The minister emphasized that ongoing security operations nationwide are yielding measurable gains, driven by coordinated military action, intelligence-led interventions, and strengthened inter-agency collaboration.
“These efforts continue to reduce threats in affected areas while sustaining stability in the majority of the country,” Idris stated.
He added that recent operations in several regions have disrupted criminal networks, curtailed the activities of armed groups, and improved safety in vulnerable communities.
“Our security agencies remain actively engaged in protecting lives and property, and the results of these efforts are increasingly evident,” he said.
While acknowledging the right of sovereign nations to issue travel advisories based on their own assessments, the Federal Government urged international partners to ensure that such advisories are balanced and reflective of the current situation on the ground.
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“We encourage our international partners to continuously engage with Nigerian authorities to obtain a more comprehensive and current understanding of the situation,” Idris noted.
The government reiterated its commitment to sustaining security improvements and assured both citizens and foreign visitors that Nigeria remains a safe and welcoming destination.
The response follows a security alert issued on April 8, 2026, by the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, which authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families from Abuja, citing a deteriorating security environment.
According to the U.S. Mission, while the embassy in Abuja will remain open, it will have limited capacity to provide emergency services to American citizens. However, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos will continue to offer full routine and emergency services.
The United States also maintained Nigeria at a Level 3 travel advisory, urging its citizens to reconsider travel due to concerns over crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent healthcare services.
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In its advisory, the U.S. government urged its nationals in Abuja to consider leaving if their presence is not essential, take advantage of commercial travel options, and ensure their passports are valid and accessible.
Other recommendations included enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), avoiding crowds and demonstrations, staying alert, maintaining a low profile, varying travel routes, and monitoring local media for updates.
The U.S. Mission also advised citizens to have personal emergency plans that do not rely on government assistance and to keep communication lines open with family and friends.
Despite the advisory, Nigerian authorities maintain that the overall security situation is improving, stressing that recent gains should be reflected in international assessments of the country.
