The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria in Nigeria has issued a new security alert, urging American citizens and diplomatic staff to avoid non-official travel to Nigerian military sites and government facilities, especially in Abuja.
The advisory follows rising global tensions and a recent Boko Haram attack in Borno State that left over 20 people dead.
The alert was posted on the official U.S. Mission Nigeria website on Sunday, June 23, 2025. It comes amid heightened international concerns following deadly airstrikes by the U.S. military on Iranian nuclear installations, and retaliatory threats from hostile actors.
Due to increased global security threats, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria informs U.S. citizens that embassy staff and their families are prohibited from any non-official visits to Nigerian military or government facilities in Abuja, the security message read.
The Mission also called on U.S. nationals residing in Nigeria to exercise extreme caution, particularly in public areas frequented by foreigners, government workers, and expatriates.
“Remain vigilant in crowded locations. Limit unnecessary movement, avoid large gatherings, and reduce predictable travel routines, the advisory warned. Stay alert. Know emergency exits in buildings and review your personal safety protocols.
The U.S. government’s warning follows a devastating suicide bombing incident in northeastern Nigeria. On Friday, a suspected Boko Haram member detonated explosives in a crowded area of Borno State, killing at least 23 people and injuring several more.
Nigerian security forces have since boosted surveillance operations across Borno and surrounding states to prevent further attacks.
Simultaneously, global security experts have linked the alert to rising military tensions between the United States, Iran, and Israel.
Over the weekend, the U.S. launched major airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites after intelligence reports linked Tehran to recent attacks on Israeli interests.
These airstrikes escalated an already volatile situation. Israel had earlier bombed Iranian targets, reportedly killing several high-ranking Iranian military officers and six nuclear scientists. The missile exchanges between the two nations have now stretched into a second week
Security analysts have expressed concerns that with global hostilities escalating, diplomatic posts especially those linked to Western nations like the United States may become soft targets for terrorist organizations and extremist groups operating in Africa.
Experts warn that the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria and similar foreign missions may be vulnerable to opportunistic or retaliatory attacks.
They urge heightened situational awareness, particularly in regions already grappling with insurgencies like northern Nigeria.
The embassy’s advisory reflects the seriousness of these threats and emphasizes standard security practices during high-alert periods worldwide.
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Avoid non-essential travel, particularly to government or military facilities.
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Stay away from large gatherings and events with limited security.
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Be alert in places frequented by Western nationals.
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Update your emergency contact and evacuation plans.
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Do not establish predictable movement patterns.
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Be mindful of suspicious activity in your surroundings.
The alert serves as a critical reminder for U.S. citizens and residents in Nigeria to prioritize personal safety amid ongoing regional and international instability.
