…FG Pushes Back, Says Nigeria Remains Stable
By Franklin Adole
The United States has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, authorising the evacuation of non-essential embassy staff and their families from Abuja, even as the Federal Government explained away the move as a routine precaution that does not reflect the country’s overall stability.
The directive, issued by the US State Department in an updated travel advisory, underscored growing international unease about Nigeria’s security trajectory, particularly following a spate of violent attacks across several states.
In a notable expansion of its advisory, Washington designated Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba as “Do Not Travel” zones, citing heightened risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime. The new additions join a long list of previously flagged states, including Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and others across both the North and South.
Recent incidents appear to have reinforced these concerns. In Plateau State, more than 20 people were killed in a March 29 attack on Gari Ya Waye in Jos North during Palm Sunday observances, while fresh violence in Niger State on Tuesday reportedly claimed at least 20 lives across multiple communities. Additional casualties were also recorded in Kebbi State.
The latest advisory aligns with broader global assessments. Nigeria was ranked the fourth most unsafe country in the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, with terrorism-related deaths rising sharply—by 43 percent compared to 2024. Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were blamed for over 80 percent of these fatalities.
Amid mounting pressure on the Federal Government, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has called for a strategic overhaul of Nigeria’s intelligence framework. Speaking at a high-level meeting with intelligence chiefs in Abuja, Musa stressed that success in the fight against insecurity depends heavily on improved human intelligence and inter-agency coordination.
“We must ensure intelligence is not only gathered but shared and effectively deployed,” he said, noting that fragmented operations among security agencies have limited effectiveness in tackling increasingly complex threats.
However, in a swift response to the US action, the Federal Government maintained that Nigeria remains largely secure and fully functional, describing the evacuation order as a precautionary step based on internal US protocols.
In a statement, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the advisory does not accurately reflect realities on the ground.
“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,” Idris stated.
He pointed to what he described as “measurable gains” recorded through sustained military offensives, intelligence-led operations, and improved inter-agency collaboration, noting that these efforts have disrupted criminal networks and enhanced 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 added.
The government also sought to reassure international partners and investors, insisting that Nigeria remains open for business and continues to attract global engagement despite security concerns.
While acknowledging the right of countries to issue travel advisories, Idris urged foreign partners to adopt a more balanced and up-to-date assessment of Nigeria’s security situation.