JUST IN: US Embassy Cancels Visa Appointments in Nigeria Over Security Threats
The United States Embassy in Abuja has cancelled all visa appointments scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, over security concerns linked to possible protests in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a public notice released on Tuesday, the embassy said the action was taken “due to the potential for protests in Abuja,” adding that “all visa appointments on Wednesday, March 4, 2026” have been cancelled.
The notice, dated Wednesday, March 4, 2025, stated that affected applicants would receive new instructions on rescheduling their interviews. According to the mission, “Applicants will be contacted with information on how to reschedule.”
The embassy also urged the public to follow official updates closely. “Please monitor our website and social media channels for further updates,” the statement added.
It ended with an appeal for calm and understanding from visa applicants and the general public. “Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” the embassy said.
The cancellation comes amid rising tension following reports of street protests in parts of the country linked to international developments in the Middle East.
Earlier, reports indicated that members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), led by Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, staged demonstrations in Niger State over claims that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been assassinated in coordinated United States–Israel strikes on Iran.
Although the reports had not been independently confirmed by international authorities at the time of writing, they triggered swift reactions among IMN members.
Witnesses said dozens of protesters mobilised shortly after the news spread on social media. They marched through major streets chanting slogans and carrying Iranian flags and placards with inscriptions such as “We Stand With Iran” and “Free Iran.”
In a message circulated among supporters, the group described the alleged killing as an act of injustice and vowed to stand firmly with the Iranian people.
“We strongly condemn the United States–Israel aggression against Iran. The blood of martyrs will not be shed in vain,” part of the statement read.
During the march, chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” were heard as demonstrators accused Western powers of interfering in Middle Eastern affairs.
Security analysts say the protests underline the long-standing ideological link between the IMN and the Iranian government, a relationship that has often drawn attention from Nigerian security agencies.
The group has a history of organising rallies in support of Iranian causes and has consistently criticised US and Israeli foreign policies.
The embassy’s decision to suspend visa operations is seen as a preventive step to protect staff, applicants, and facilities amid fears that similar protests could spread to Abuja.
