The United States Embassy in Nigeria has put all visa appointments in Abuja on hold for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, over concerns that protests may break out in the city.

The mission warned Americans living in the Federal Capital Territory to limit movement and avoid large gatherings, pointing to past demonstrations that turned violent.

The decision follows rising global tension after reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in airstrikes allegedly carried out by the United States and Israel. Iran has since launched retaliatory attacks on U.S. interests in the Gulf region.

Signs of the fallout have already appeared in Nigeria. Earlier this week, members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) staged protests in parts of Yobe State, marching with Iranian flags and pictures of Khamenei.

With fears that similar actions could happen in Abuja, the Embassy advised U.S. citizens to stay alert and keep away from protest zones. Applicants affected by the cancellation were told they would be contacted to reschedule their interviews.

For now, only Abuja visa services are suspended, while other consular operations continue as authorities monitor the situation closely.