United States (U.S.) Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert, warning U.S. citizens in Nigeria of a potential terrorist threat targeting U.S. facilities and U.S.-affiliated schools.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the advisory comes just days after the Embassy canceled all visa appointments on March 4, citing fears over Iran-related protests in Abuja.
In a statement issues on Monday, the Embassy urged American citizens to exercise increased caution, recommending that travelers “take additional precautions when traveling to the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, and U.S. affiliated schools, to include varying times and routes.”
The Embassy outlined key safety measures for U.S. citizens:
“Be aware of your surroundings.”
“Keep a low profile.”
“Review your personal security plans.”
“Vary your regular routes.”
“Keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency.”
“Stay alert in public places.”
“Avoid crowds and demonstrations.”
“Familiarize yourself with emergency exits when entering buildings.”
It also emphasized that the Consular Sections of Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos remain open, advising citizens to monitor updates via the Embassy website. For additional travel information, Americans are directed to the Nigeria Country Information page on travel.state.gov.
The alert comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, where ongoing hostilities between the United States and Israel against Iran have triggered protests worldwide, including in Nigeria’s capital. U.S. citizens in Abuja are specifically advised to stay indoors and avoid gatherings linked to these Iran-linked demonstrations.
The Embassy’s advisory underscores the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness for U.S. citizens living in or visiting Nigeria, as regional and global tensions continue to impact security on the ground.