US embassy in Abuja halts visa appointments over protest fears

The United States embassy has cancelled all visa appointments for Wednesday, March 4, citing concerns over potential protests in the Nigerian capital.

The embassy announced on X on Wednesday that it would reach out to applicants with instructions on how to reschedule their appointments.

The decision follows demonstrations by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, across several states including Lagos, Kano, Niger, Sokoto, Gombe, and Kaduna.

The protests were brewed by the recent US-Israeli strikes on Ali Khamenei both the United States and Israel while expressing solidarity with Iran.

In response, Tunji Disu, the inspector-general of police, directed commissioners across the country to enhance security measures to prevent unrest.

The embassy stated that affected applicants would be contacted with instructions on how to reschedule their appointments.