'Important Visa Update': US to Temporarily Close Embassy in Nigeria, Reason Emerges
- The US embassy in Nigeria has closed for routine business due to potential protests in the African country
- Protests erupted across Nigeria, expressing support for Iran following the assassination of Ali Hosseini Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes
- Visa and American Citizen Services (ACS) appointments were rescheduled as US authorities asked people to check their mail for new dates and updates
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance in Nigeria.
FCT, Abuja - The United States (US) embassy in Nigeria announced on Thursday morning, March 5, that all appointments have been rescheduled “due to potential protests” in Abuja, the Nigerian capital city.
Legit.ng reports that in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy said it “will be closed for routine business until Monday, March 9, 2026.”
Source: Twitter
Protests in Nigeria over Iran-Israel/US war
The announcement follows protests by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, which took place on Monday in several states over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, during recent US-Israeli strikes on Tehran.
Demonstrations were reported in Lagos, Kano, Sokoto, Gombe, Niger, and Kaduna states, with similar protests also occurring in Bauchi and Yobe. Protesters waved Iranian flags, displayed portraits of slain Khamenei, and carried placards denouncing both the United States and Israel, while expressing solidarity with Iran.
The rallies came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following coordinated airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iranian targets. In Nigeria, Shi’ites have historically shown strong support for Iran and its leadership, often organising processions and demonstrations in response to developments involving the Islamic Republic.
US embassy reschedules appointments
In a statement titled ‘Important Visa Update,’ the US Mission Nigeria announced via its verified X account:
"Due to the potential for protests in Abuja, the U.S. Embassy will be closed for routine business until Monday, March 9, 2026.
"Visa appointments originally scheduled for March 4 and 5, as well as American Citizen Services (ACS) appointments scheduled for March 5, have been rescheduled to next week.
"Visa applicants: Please check your email or AVITs account for your new appointment date."
The embassy added:
Source: Twitter
"ACS applicants: Please check your email for your new appointment date. If you do not see a new appointment, visa applicants should contact us through our Visa Navigator for assistance.
"Continue to monitor our website and social media channels for further updates. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation."
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US to deport 97 Nigerians
Legit.ng earlier reported that the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that 18 Nigerians had been added to its deportation list, bringing the total number of individuals set for removal to 97.
According to the DHS, the arrests formed part of a coordinated crackdown across several US states led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.
The US agency explained that the new names were included under its expanded nationwide enforcement operation targeting immigrants convicted of serious crimes.
Source: Legit.ng
