Nigeria is facing escalating security concerns as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with recent developments highlighting growing fears over safety and stability.
The United States Embassy in Abuja has suspended visa appointments, citing security concerns, and asked affected applicants to await further instructions. Visa operations at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos remain unaffected.
The move follows a travel advisory issued by the United States Department of State, which urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria from April 8 due to risks including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest and limited healthcare services. The advisory also authorized the departure of non-essential U.S. personnel and their families from Abuja.
The warning comes amid a surge in violence. Brig. Gen. Oseni Braimah and at least 14 soldiers were killed when suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters attacked a military base in Benisheikh, Borno state, in the early hours of Thursday, according to military sources. The attackers reportedly destroyed armored vehicles and other equipment.
The incident follows Nigeria’s ranking as the fourth most affected country by terrorism in the latest Global Terrorism Index released by the Institute for Economics & Peace, which recorded a 46% increase in terrorism-related deaths in 2025.
The U.S. advisory highlighted the presence of extremist groups and warned against travel to several northern states, including Borno, Yobe and parts of Adamawa, as well as areas in the North-Central and southern regions affected by crime and unrest. It noted that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping for ransom are widespread and that terrorist attacks could occur in public places.
President Bola Tinubu expressed condolences over the deaths of the soldiers, describing their actions as courageous. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the president said the government remains committed to restoring peace and security.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed that the attack occurred early Thursday but did not provide a detailed casualty figure. It said troops engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat.
Despite the concerns, the Federal Government downplayed the U.S. advisory, describing it as a routine precaution that does not reflect the overall security situation in the country.
In a statement by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the government said there has been no disruption to governance or economic activities. The minister, Mohammed Idris, said while security challenges exist in some areas, “there is no general breakdown of law and order.”
Meanwhile, violence has continued across parts of northern Nigeria. At least 90 people were reported killed in separate attacks in recent days, according to local and humanitarian sources. In Niger state, dozens of people, including security operatives, were killed in coordinated assaults on several communities.
Military authorities said insurgents attempted to breach the perimeter of the 29 Task Force Brigade headquarters in Benisheikh but were repelled after a firefight. A spokesman, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, described the attack as a sign of desperation by insurgents following recent military pressure.
Separately, allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the president’s handling of the situation, accusing him of a lack of visible leadership. In a statement, spokesman Phrank Shaibu described Tinubu’s response to recent security incidents as inadequate and raised concerns over missed public engagements during recent official visits.
The criticism underscores growing political tensions as Nigeria approaches the next election cycle.
