The US Embassy in Abuja has issued a security advisory to American residents in Nigeria, warning of a potential demonstration in the country’s capital today due to escalating tensions in the continuing US-Israel-Iran confrontation.
On Monday, the US government issued a worldwide security notice to its residents in Nigeria and throughout the world, asking them to exercise heightened vigilance in the aftermath of the Middle East violence.
The advice cautioned that the shifting security situation might have an impact on travel and safety, including possible disruptions to air travel.
In a statement published on X on Wednesday, the US embassy warned American citizens that there is “a high potential for protests in Abuja today” and encouraged them to take extra vigilance.
The mission warned that previous such rallies “have resulted in violent clashes between the group and Nigerian security forces,” creating fears of an escalation.
To be safe, the embassy advises all US citizens in Abuja to stay at home on Wednesday, March 4.
It also recommended Americans to avoid protest sites and crowds, exercise care if caught near major gatherings, and keep an eye on local media for updates.
The advisory also advised US citizens to “be aware of their surroundings,” “keep a low profile,” and examine their personal security preparations.
Other safety precautions mentioned include keeping mobile phones charged, carrying valid identification, remaining vigilant in public locations like shopping malls and places of worship, and changing travel routes and times to avoid predictability.
Despite the advice, the embassy announced that its consular branch in Abuja and consulate general in Lagos will stay open.
It invited citizens to check its website for updates and to join in the smart traveller enrolment program (STEP) to get security notifications.
The security notification follows coordinated US-Israeli bombings on Iranian targets that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Abdolrahim Mousavi, Iran’s supreme leader and armed forces chief of staff.
Since the attacks began, Iranian officials and regional observers believe that over 200 people have died and over 700 have been wounded.
Senior commanders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IIRGC) and other defence officials have also been reported murdered.
Following this, President Donald Trump declared that Iran’s leadership has consented to reopen talks with the United States.
