The United States Embassy in Nigeria has temporarily shut down its operations in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, citing heightened security concerns over potential protests linked to tensions surrounding the death of Ali Khamenei.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the embassy announced that it would remain closed for routine consular services until Monday, March 9, 2026, as a precautionary measure.
“Due to the potential for protests in Abuja, the U.S. Embassy will be closed for routine business until Monday, March 9, 2026,” the mission said.
The embassy further disclosed that visa appointments earlier scheduled for March 4 and 5, along with American Citizen Services appointments fixed for March 5, have been postponed and moved to next week.
Affected applicants were advised to check their email or their AVITS account for updated appointment dates. The embassy also urged applicants who do not receive new dates to contact the consular section through the Visa Navigator platform for further assistance.
Earlier in the week, the mission had already cancelled visa interviews for March 4 and issued an urgent security advisory to American citizens residing in Abuja. The advisory warned that demonstrations by Shia Muslim groups angered by the assassination of Khamenei could escalate into violence.
The embassy advised U.S. citizens to remain indoors, avoid crowded areas, closely monitor local media for developments, and take precautionary security measures including varying travel routes and being familiar with emergency exits.
The closure follows reports of protests in several northern Nigerian states including Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Niger State, and Katsina, as well as in Abuja.
Reports indicate that members of minority Shia Muslim communities have taken to the streets carrying portraits of Khamenei, mourning his death and chanting slogans accusing the United States and Israel of involvement in the killing.
The U.S. mission emphasized that the temporary suspension of routine services was purely a precautionary step aimed at protecting embassy staff and American citizens in the country amid the rising tensions.
