The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has defended mass visa revocations of Nigerian citizens as necessary under national security laws while simultaneously warning U.S. nationals to avoid Nigerian military and government sites due to persistent security threats.
The United States has defended the recent revocation of valid U.S. visas held by Nigerian citizens, stating the action was taken in the interest of national security and to ensure the safety of its populace. The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria justified the move by invoking its authority under Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which allows revocations if an individual may be deemed potentially ineligible. A spokesperson emphasized that revocations were being carried out “on a scale never seen before” to “keep American borders secure and American communities safe.”
At the same time, the U.S. Embassy issued a security alert on September 2, 2025, warning its citizens in Nigeria to avoid travel to military and government facilities—particularly in Abuja—citing “continued security concerns” and urging vigilance in public spaces.
The revocations affected a broad cross-section of Nigerian visa holders—students, business professionals, families and frequent travellers—many of whom were notified without warning, prompting complaints from former NNPC spokesperson Femi Soneye. “In recent weeks, an unsettling trend has quietly unfolded: the United States Embassy in Nigeria has begun revoking valid visas previously issued to Nigerian citizens… only to have their visas unceremoniously cancelled,” Soneye said.
Responding to criticism, the Embassy reiterated that the revocations are legal and precautionary, aiming to prevent entry by those who may “pose a threat to U.S. national security or public safety,” aligning with broader post-pandemic and geopolitical security measures.