US Embassy Cancels Visa Appointments Over Security Threats

The US Embassy in Abuja announced the cancellation of visa appointments scheduled for March 4, 2026, due to security concerns stemming from potential protests in the Federal Capital Territory. This decision was communicated in a public notice released on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

The embassy indicated that applicants would receive new instructions to reschedule their interviews and would be contacted directly. The cancellation comes amid rising tensions following reports of street protests across Nigeria, particularly by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), led by Ibrahim El Zakzaky.

These protests were reportedly in response to claims regarding the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by coordinated US and Israeli strikes. The IMN has a history of organizing rallies in support of Iranian causes and has criticized US and Israeli foreign policies.

Security analysts suggest that the embassy's decision to suspend visa operations is a preventive measure to protect staff and applicants amid fears that similar protests could spread to Abuja.