Due to growing tensions between the US and Iran, the US Embassy in Nigeria has canceled all visa appointments for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, citing a high risk of protests in Abuja. The Embassy warned of "Potential Demonstrations" in the Federal Capital Territory and advised Americans to stay indoors in a warning published on its website on Wednesday. The warning coincides with escalating international tensions after Iranian state and local media confirmed the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following alleged bombings by Israel and the United States. Tehran swiftly retaliated after the strikes were reported to have killed several other senior Iranian leaders.
Iran reportedly vowed to exact revenge for the deaths of its Supreme Leader and other regime officials by launching several missiles against U.S. sites in Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia. As it entered its fifth day, the battle, which started with coordinated Israeli and American strikes over the weekend, showed no signs of abating.
The US Department of State had warned American citizens around the world earlier in the week to be more cautious. Additionally, it advised individuals to sign up for the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program to receive timely updates and cautioned that travel inconveniences would arise due to sporadic airspace closures related to the developing situation.
In some areas of Nigeria, the conflict's aftereffects have started to show. Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, also referred to as Shi'ites, held a nonviolent demonstration in Yobe State's Potiskum and Nguru Local Government Areas on Tuesday to denounce the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei, whom they called a renowned spiritual leader.
With Iranian flags and big images of Khamenei in hand, protesters marched through the towns while screaming anti-foreign meddling and pro-Iranian slogans.,The Embassy warned U.S. citizens to stay watchful, keep a low profile, and stay away from protest sites and big crowds, citing worries that similar protests would take place in Abuja.
“Due to the potential for protests in Abuja, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja has cancelled all visa appointments on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Applicants will be contacted with information on how to reschedule. Please monitor our website and social media channels for further updates,” the statement added.
The Embassy also recommended Americans to stay vigilant in public areas like shopping malls and places of worship, carry appropriate identification, keep their phones charged, keep an eye on local media for developments, and get familiar with emergency exits when entering buildings.
The mission underlined that "The Consular Sections of Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos remain open" notwithstanding the cancellation of visa appointments in Abuja for the day. For updates, please keep an eye on our website. "For emergency assistance, please contact the U.S. Embassy at +234 209 461 4328 or visit the website," the Embassy stated.