US Embassy Warns of Heightened Threat in Nigeria, Bans Staff from Visiting Abuja, Military Sites

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a security alert, urging its citizens to avoid non-official visits to Abuja, Nigerian military installations, and government facilities due to escalating global security concerns. The advisory, released on Sunday via the embassy’s official website, comes in the aftermath of a deadly suicide bombing in Borno State and heightened tensions between Israel and Iran following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The embassy stated that all U.S. government employees and their families are currently prohibited from making unofficial visits to Nigerian military sites or government venues in the capital. American citizens in the country have been advised to exercise increased caution, especially in public areas and locations frequented by Westerners, expatriates, and government officials.

“Stay alert in public places, avoid large gatherings, and consider limiting unnecessary travel,” the statement warned. U.S. nationals are also encouraged to avoid predictable routines, remain aware of emergency exits in buildings, and review their personal security plans regularly.

The advisory follows a Boko Haram suicide bombing that killed at least 23 people and injured dozens in a crowded area of northeastern Nigeria. In response, security forces have ramped up surveillance across Borno and neighboring regions.

The warning also coincides with intensifying conflict in the Middle East, where a wave of retaliatory strikes between Israel and Iran has led to the deaths of senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists. U.S. airstrikes on Iranian targets over the weekend have further fueled concerns of a broader regional conflict.

Security experts have noted that foreign missions and institutions linked to Western nations could become potential targets amid the current global instability. The U.S. Embassy’s latest guidance reflects an elevated threat environment and aligns with standard precautions typically implemented during periods of increased geopolitical tension.