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US Embassy in Nigeria Poised to Fully Restart Visa Appointments Thursday

"We received a letter from the Islamic Federation about the risk of a possible protest in Abuja on Wednesday hence the public notice. But we will resume visa activities tomorrow barring any last minute change"

Samuel AkpanMarch 4, 20262 Mins read333

The U.S. Embassy in Abuja is set to resume full visa operations as early as tomorrow, Thursday, March 5, according to a diplomatic source.

The brief suspension of appointments on Wednesday followed a security alert regarding potential protests in the capital linked to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions.

While visa interviews were paused as a precaution, an embassy official confirmed to Persecondnews in an interview that all other diplomatic and administrative functions remained operational throughout the day.

“We received a letter from the Islamic Federation about the risk of a possible protest in Abuja on Wednesday hence the public notice. But we will resume visa activities tomorrow barring any last minute change.”

Persecondnews reports that security forces have been heavily deployed throughout major spots in Abuja, including Army, Police, and Civil Defence personnel positioned at key intersections like Berger Roundabout, AYA-Nyanaya, Area 1, and Banex.

Commuters along the Nyanya-Kugbo axis are reportedly encountering severe traffic jams as a result of the protest.

The decision to put off visa interviews scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, stemmed from fears of public demonstrations amid rising hostilities between the United States and Iran.

In a formal statement posted online, the embassy highlighted the danger of unrest in the Federal Capital Territory and advised American residents to stay indoors.

This alert arrives as global tensions escalate following the confirmed passing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during airstrikes conducted by American and Israeli forces.

Multiple top Iranian leaders were also said to have perished, triggering immediate counteractions from Tehran.

Iran is reported to have responded by directing several missile strikes toward US facilities in Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, while promising to retaliate for the loss of its top figures.

The military exchanges, which kicked off over the weekend with coordinated attacks, have persisted into their fifth day without any signs of de-escalation.

In reaction, the US State Department released a broad international warning to its nationals.

It directed Americans, especially those in the Middle East, to pay close attention to guidance from nearby embassies and consulates after the start of US military actions in Iran.

Locally, the conflict’s impact was visible on Tuesday when members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, known as the Shi’ites, organized marches in Potiskum and Nguru Local Government Areas of Yobe State.

Demonstrators carried Iranian banners and large pictures of the deceased Ayatollah, voicing support for Iran and denouncing external meddling in its affairs.

Anticipating comparable rallies in Abuja, the embassy has suspended Wednesday’s visa sessions and indicated that participants will be notified about new booking dates.

While visa services were affected, the Consular Sections at the Abuja Embassy and Lagos Consulate General continue their regular functions, with the public encouraged to follow the website and social media for the latest information.