- The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a security alert warning of a possible terrorist threat targeting U.S. facilities and U.S.-affiliated schools in Nigeria
- The advisory urges American citizens to exercise heightened caution when visiting U.S. diplomatic missions in Abuja and Lagos
- The warning came amid rising global tensions following recent strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a fresh security alert warning of a possible terrorist threat targeting American facilities and U.S.-affiliated schools in the country.
In a security notice released on Monday, March 9, the embassy said the advisory was meant to inform American citizens living in or visiting Nigeria about potential risks and urged them to take extra precautions when visiting U.S. diplomatic locations and affiliated institutions.
The embassy specifically advised heightened vigilance around its offices in Abuja and Lagos, as well as schools linked to the United States.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens of a possible terrorist threat against U.S. facilities and U.S.-affiliated schools in Nigeria.
“The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens take additional precautions when travelling to the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, and U.S.-affiliated schools, to include varying times and routes,” the statement read.
The mission also advised American nationals to adopt stronger personal safety measures, including avoiding predictable routines and ensuring they remain reachable in case of emergencies.
“Be aware of your surroundings, keep a low profile, review your personal security plans, vary your regular routes, keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency, stay alert in public places, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and familiarise yourself with emergency exits when entering buildings,” it said.
The embassy, however, did not disclose the specific source or nature of the threat.
The warning comes amid heightened global tensions following recent military strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran. The strikes were followed by retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran against countries aligned with Washington.
The development also coincides with protests in Lagos and some northern Nigerian states by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, who condemned the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in strikes allegedly carried out by the United States and Israel.
Meanwhile, reports also indicate that Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, the wife of Iran’s Supreme Leader, died from injuries she sustained during recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on her residence in Tehran.
The situation has further drawn attention following remarks attributed to Donald Trump, who reportedly ordered U.S. bombings of Nigeria on Christmas Day, saying the operation was aimed at jihadist groups.