The United States embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert to American citizens in Nigeria, warning of potential protests in the capital on Wednesday due to rising tensions in the ongoing US/Israel-Iran conflict.
In a statement shared on X, the embassy said there is “a high potential for protests in Abuja today” and urged Americans to exercise increased caution.
The advisory noted that past demonstrations of this nature have sometimes led to violent clashes with Nigerian security forces.
As a precaution, the embassy strongly recommended that US citizens remain indoors, avoid protest areas and large crowds, and monitor local news for updates.
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It also advised residents to keep mobile phones charged, carry identification, stay alert in public places, and vary travel routes and times.
Despite the alert, the embassy’s consular section in Abuja and the consulate general in Lagos remain open. Citizens were encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security notifications.
The advisory follows coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets that killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and armed forces chief Abdolrahim Mousavi. More than 200 people have reportedly died and over 700 injured since the strikes began.
President Donald Trump said the strikes prompted Iran’s leadership to agree to resume negotiations with the US.