The United States government has warned of a potential terrorist threat targeting its facilities and American-affiliated schools in Nigeria, urging citizens to heighten security awareness while in the country.
In a security advisory released by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja on Monday, American nationals were advised to exercise extra caution when visiting diplomatic premises and institutions connected to the United States.
The alert specifically referenced the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the US Consulate General in Lagos, advising citizens to remain vigilant and adopt precautionary measures when travelling to or around the facilities.
According to the advisory, U.S. citizens should avoid predictable routines and vary their travel routes and times to reduce possible exposure to security risks.
The embassy also urged them to stay alert to their surroundings at all times.
The notice further recommended that Americans maintain a low public profile, avoid crowded locations and public demonstrations, and regularly review personal security plans with family members.
Other safety measures include ensuring mobile phones remain fully charged in case of emergencies and taking note of emergency exits when entering public buildings.
Despite the security concerns, the embassy confirmed that consular services at both the Abuja embassy and the Lagos consulate would continue to operate normally.
The mission also advised U.S. citizens in Nigeria to monitor updates through official embassy platforms and follow guidance issued by the U.S. Department of State.
Travellers were encouraged to consult the department’s Nigeria country information page for additional details on security conditions.
The advisory comes amid heightened global tensions following the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The war, which began on February 28, 2026, has escalated rapidly and entered its eleventh day on March 10.
Early in the conflict, joint U.S.-Israeli strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was subsequently named successor on March 8 and assumed leadership during the ongoing military confrontation.
Military operations in the region have included extensive airstrikes targeting Iranian leadership, nuclear installations and key military infrastructure.
Some attacks have also affected civilian industrial facilities, including oil storage and refining installations in Tehran.
Iran has responded with multiple waves of ballistic missile and drone strikes under what it described as “Operation True Promise IV,” targeting Israeli cities and U.S. military assets in parts of the Middle East, including Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties across the region, with reports indicating more than 1,200 deaths in Iran, nearly 400 in Lebanon and at least 13 fatalities in Israel.
The United States has also confirmed the deaths of eight of its soldiers.
Beyond the human toll, the war has triggered sharp volatility in global energy markets.
Brent crude prices briefly surged to about $120 per barrel amid fears of supply disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil shipping route.
The latest developments have raised concerns about regional stability, aviation routes and energy infrastructure across the Gulf.
The current conflict followed years of strained relations between Israel and Iran.
In June 2025, both sides were involved in a brief but intense confrontation known as the Twelve-Day War, which ended after a ceasefire brokered by the United States.
