The United States has warned its citizens in Nigeria of a possible terrorist threat targeting American diplomatic facilities and U.S.-affiliated schools in the country.
This is according to a statement by the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs published on its website.
According to the notice, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja alerted American citizens about a potential threat against U.S. facilities and schools linked to the United States in Nigeria.
What the U.S. said
The embassy urged U.S. citizens to exercise additional caution when visiting the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, and schools affiliated with the United States.
- “Event: Threat to U.S. Facilities and Schools. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens of a possible terrorist threat against U.S. facilities and U.S. affiliated schools in Nigeria. The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens 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,” they stated.
The statement noted that maintaining awareness of surroundings, avoiding predictable routines, and reviewing security precautions with family members could help reduce personal risk.
More details
The U.S. government also recommended several precautionary steps for American citizens in Nigeria, including:
- Being aware of surroundings
- Keeping a low profile in public places
- Reviewing personal security plans
- Varying regular travel routes
- Keeping mobile phones charged for emergencies
- Staying alert in public places
- Avoiding crowds and demonstrations
- Identifying emergency exits when entering buildings
The embassy added that travelers should consult the Nigeria Country Information page on the U.S. government’s travel website for more details on security risks in the country.
The embassy also urged U.S. citizens to monitor its official website for further updates on the situation.
What you should know
The latest warning comes amid rising security concerns linked to recent global tensions and protests connected to the ongoing U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict, which have triggered demonstrations in several countries.
- Demonstrations were reported in Lagos, Kano, Sokoto, Gombe, Kaduna, and Yobe states, prompting deployment of security forces along protest routes, although no casualties were confirmed.
- The U.S. Mission also rescheduled visa and American Citizen Services (ACS) appointments in Abuja, citing concerns over potential protests. Visa and ACS appointments initially scheduled for early March 4th and 5th were postponed, with applicants advised to check their emails or AVITs accounts for updated dates.
Nigeria is also facing broader security challenges ranging from terrorism and banditry to kidnappings in parts of the country.
