The United States has suspended visa appointment services at its embassy in Abuja, following the authorised departure of non-essential personnel over worsening security conditions in Nigeria.
In a notice issued on Thursday, the US Mission Nigeria confirmed that visa-related activities at the US Embassy Abuja have been halted.
It stated that affected applicants would be contacted with details of rescheduled appointments, while emergency consular services for American citizens would continue on a limited basis.
The decision comes barely 24 hours after the United States Department of State authorised the evacuation of non-emergency staff and their families from the embassy in the nation’s capital.
The move was linked to an updated travel advisory placing Nigeria on Level 3, urging American citizens to reconsider travel due to escalating insecurity across several parts of the country.
According to the advisory, states including Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba have been added to the “Do Not Travel” category, citing heightened risks of terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime.
The advisory also warned of persistent threats in Borno, Yobe and parts of Adamawa, where insurgent activities remain prevalent, as well as widespread banditry and abductions in the North-West and North-Central regions.
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In the southern region, the US government flagged concerns over criminal gangs and separatist-linked violence in states such as Abia, Anambra, Imo and Rivers, excluding Port Harcourt.
Authorities further highlighted frequent cases of kidnapping for ransom, particularly targeting foreigners and dual nationals, alongside incidents of armed robbery, carjacking and assaults.
Despite the suspension in Abuja, visa operations remain active at the US Consulate General Lagos, offering limited consular services to applicants.
