The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert warning American citizens of planned protests by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in the capital, recommending that all US citizens remain in their residences through Friday, March 6. The Embassy will be closed for routine business until Monday, March 9, while the US Consulate General in Lagos remains open.
The alert comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in Nigeria linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The IMN, a Shia Muslim movement whose members are often referred to as followers of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, has a history of staging protests in Abuja that have previously resulted in violent clashes with Nigerian security forces. The group has been particularly vocal in expressing solidarity with Iran, and the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes last weekend has raised concerns about potential unrest in Nigeria’s Shia community.
The timing is particularly sensitive as Nigeria’s National Assembly resumes plenary sessions today (March 5) after postponing from the originally scheduled February 24 date. Lawmakers are returning to continue work on the 2026 Appropriation Bill, with several committees still conducting budget defense sessions with ministries, departments, and agencies. Both the Senate and House of Representatives are expected to reconvene at 11:00 a.m.
Meanwhile, security experts are calling on the federal government to consider a regional police framework that promotes true federalism rather than the recently debated state police structure. The Inspector General of Police has formed a panel on state policing, adding to the complex security reform conversations happening across the country. The broader Middle East conflict is raising additional concerns for Nigeria, including threats to military bases, rising global oil prices, and trade disruptions that could affect economic stability. While Nigeria benefits from higher oil revenues as a petroleum-exporting nation, the instability introduces risks to the country’s economic trajectory and complicates an already challenging security environment.
The Embassy’s alert urges Americans in Nigeria to avoid protests and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of their surroundings, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the current situation.
