The United States government has temporarily closed its embassy in Abuja following security concerns over a potential protest by Shia Muslim groups reacting to the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the United States Embassy in Nigeria announced that the mission would remain closed for routine business until Monday, March 9, 2026, citing fears that demonstrations in the federal capital could escalate into unrest.
“Due to the potential for protests in Abuja, the U.S. Embassy will be closed for routine business until Monday, March 9, 2026,” the statement read.
The embassy disclosed that visa appointments earlier scheduled for March 4 and 5, as well as American Citizen Services (ACS) appointments slated for March 5, had been postponed and would be rescheduled for next week. Affected applicants were advised to check their email or AVITS account for new appointment dates.
The mission also directed applicants who do not receive updated schedules to contact the embassy through its Visa Navigator platform for assistance, while urging the public to monitor its official website and social media channels for further updates.
Earlier, the embassy had cancelled all visa appointments and issued a security advisory to American citizens over concerns that protests by Shia Muslim faithful in Abuja could turn violent following the killing of Khamenei, which demonstrators blame on the United States and Israel.
In the security alert released on Tuesday, the embassy advised American nationals in the capital to remain indoors if demonstrations occur and to maintain a low profile by avoiding crowded areas.
The advisory also urged citizens to stay alert, monitor local media for developments, familiarise themselves with emergency exits in buildings and vary travel routes and times to reduce predictability.
Since the Iranian leader was killed last Saturday, protests have been reported in several parts of northern Nigeria, including Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Minna in Niger State, Katsina and Abuja.
In the affected areas, Shia demonstrators marched through the streets carrying portraits of Khamenei, mourning his death with chants and songs while condemning the United States and Israel. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation amid concerns that further protests could spread to other parts of the country.
