US issues travel warnings for Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe as security risks mount
The United States government issued a stark update to its travel advice on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, urging American citizens to "reconsider travel to the country, citing risks such as 'terrorism, civil unrest [and] kidnapping'" to Nigeria. Washington has placed nearly two-thirds of Nigeria's states under the highest risk category, including new additions such as Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba. The advisory warns that "attacks could occur with little or no warning in public spaces including markets, hotels, places of worship, schools and transport hubs."
Washington authorised the departure of "non-emergency" staff and their families from the U.S. embassy in Abuja. Nigeria maintains a "long-standing partnership with the US on matters of intelligence, security and counter-terrorism." The U.S. State Department says Washington has been working with Abuja on "counter‑terrorism, maritime security, intelligence sharing and military training." Recent cooperation has included "surveillance and reconnaissance support, and the use of US‑supplied aircraft and helicopters by Nigerian forces against Islamist insurgents and armed groups." In Plateau and Benue, "weeks of violence blamed on a mix of armed banditry, communal clashes and reprisal attacks have left dozens of people dead," including a late March assault in Plateau that claimed over 28 lives.
The State Department concurrently raised its travel advisory for São Tomé and Príncipe to "Level 3: Reconsider Travel."
Quick Summary
The US government is increasing its security measures in West Africa, issuing new directives for Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe. Strategic partnerships are expanding, but safety concerns are mounting- what could this mean for the region?
Summary - read the full story for complete context.
Image: MyJoyOnline
GhanaFront aggregates news from trusted sources. Click to read the original article.
Keywords
Explore related tagsMore from MyJoyOnline
Related Stories
More from Regional
Two killed in Bosomtwe clash as residents demand increased security presence
A relationship dispute sparks deadly clashes in Bosomtwe - what led to the violence?
15h ago•2 min read
