The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Abuja for routine business, citing potential protests in the nation’s capital. The embassy will remain closed through Monday, March 9, 2026.

In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Mission confirmed that visa appointments originally scheduled for March 4 and 5, as well as American Citizen Services (ACS) appointments scheduled for March 5, have been rescheduled to the following week.

“Visa applicants should check their email or AVITs account for updated appointment dates. ACS applicants should check their email for rescheduled appointments,” the statement advised. Applicants who do not receive a new date are encouraged to use the Visa Navigator platform for assistance. The embassy also urged the public to monitor its official website and social media channels for further updates.

The closure follows reports of heightened security across Abuja in anticipation of potential protests by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), following similar demonstrations in Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, and Lagos states.

The protests are reportedly in solidarity with Iran after the reported death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in airstrikes allegedly carried out by the U.S. and Israel. The IMN has described its actions as a peaceful expression of support for Iran.

Security authorities in Abuja have deployed additional personnel to maintain public order, prompting the embassy’s precautionary measures. U.S. citizens in Abuja have been advised to stay indoors, avoid large gatherings, and follow official updates from the U.S. Mission.