Insecurity: US suspends visa appointments in Abuja, moves services to Lagos

The United States Embassy in Abuja has suspended all visa appointments, citing security concerns, and advised applicants to monitor their emails for information on rescheduled dates.

In a notice issued on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the embassy announced that visa services in Abuja had been halted, while operations at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos would continue as scheduled.

The embassy also stated that American citizen services in Abuja would remain available by appointment or in emergency situations.

The notice read: “U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments.

“Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.”

US adds Plateau, Kwara, others to ‘do not travel’ list, evacuates staff

The suspension comes hours after the U.S. Department of State authorised the departure of non-emergency government employees and their family members from the embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security conditions across Nigeria.

In an updated travel advisory, the department urged U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to risks associated with crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

Americans were specifically advised to avoid travel to Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and Adamawa States due to heightened security threats.

The advisory also listed Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, warning of potential unrest, crime, and kidnapping in those areas.