The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a comprehensive security advisory, effective Monday, June 23, implementing travel restrictions for its embassy staff and their families within Abuja. This directive prohibits non-official travel to Nigerian military installations or other government facilities in the capital, a measure prompted by what the Embassy described as “heightened security concerns linked to current global developments.”

The advisory also extends a series of critical precautions to American citizens already residing in or visiting Nigeria. These include maintaining an elevated state of alertness, particularly in locations and venues frequently visited by Westerners, expatriates, and senior officials. Citizens are urged to avoid large gatherings, consider limiting unnecessary travel, and vary their daily routines to enhance personal security. Additionally, the advisory emphasizes the importance of identifying emergency exits whenever entering a building and regularly reviewing personal security plans.

Despite the imposed movement restrictions, the US Mission has clarified that its consular sections in Abuja and the Consulate-General in Lagos will remain fully operational for both routine and emergency services. The embassy committed to keeping its official website updated with any changes and advised citizens to refer to ng.usembassy.gov for real-time information and assistance.

As of the advisory's release, Nigerian authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and security agencies, had yet to issue an official response to the latest US security alert. This current warning follows similar advisories issued by the US Mission in October 2022 and again in October 2023, which were prompted by intelligence indicating potential terror plots within Abuja. The alert is set against a backdrop of broader global anxieties, including escalating conflicts in the Middle East and renewed extremist activities in parts of West Africa.

Security analyst Kabir Adamu, commenting on the advisory, stated that it “reflects increased anxiety over soft-target attacks on symbols of state power.” He further suggested that the alert “could trigger tighter security cordons around both military installations and federal secretariats in the capital.” Adamu advised all Abuja residents, not just foreign nationals, to anticipate heavier checkpoints in the coming days and to exercise extra vigilance, underscoring the broader implications of the security notice for the Federal Capital Territory.