The United States Department of State has suspended visa appointment services at its embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security conditions across Nigeria.
The decision follows the authorisation for non-essential personnel and their families to leave the country, a move that underscores growing concern within U.S. authorities over the nation’s deteriorating safety situation.
In a notice issued by the US Mission in Nigeria, the embassy confirmed that all visa appointments in Abuja have been halted. Applicants were advised to check their emails for updates regarding rescheduling, while emergency consular services will continue on a limited, appointment-only basis.
The suspension came barely a day after the U.S. government updated its travel advisory, placing Nigeria on Level 3 and urging its citizens to reconsider travelling to the country due to heightened risks.
According to the advisory, insecurity has intensified in several regions, with states such as Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba newly added to the “Do Not Travel” list.
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Other areas already flagged include Borno, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa, where insurgent activities remain prevalent.
U.S. authorities cited a combination of threats, including terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry, and civil unrest, as key reasons for the decision. The advisory noted that violent crimes such as armed robbery, assault, and carjacking occur frequently, while kidnapping for ransom remains a major concern, particularly for foreigners and individuals perceived to be wealthy.
In southern Nigeria, especially in parts of the Southeast and Niger Delta, the report highlighted ongoing violence linked to criminal gangs and separatist elements, alongside persistent cases of abduction.
Despite the shutdown in Abuja, visa processing and other consular services remain operational at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, providing an alternative for applicants amid the heightened security alert.
The development reflects increasing international alarm over Nigeria’s security challenges, as authorities continue to battle insurgency, organised crime, and communal clashes across the country.
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