The United States Embassy in Abuja has cancelled all visa appointments scheduled for March 4, due to a “potential for protests” in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over the ongoing war against Iran in the Middle East.
The embassy said in a statement posted on X on Wednesday that it would contact applicants on how to reschedule.
On Monday, members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, staged protests in several states over the killing of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, during recent US-Israeli strikes on Tehran.
Demonstrators were seen in Lagos, Kano, Niger, Sokoto, Gombe and Kaduna states condemning the joint military action by the US and Israel, which led to Khamenei’s death alongside members of his family.
Similar protests were reported in Bauchi and Yobe states.
The protesters waved Iranian flags, displayed portraits of Khamenei, and carried placards denouncing both the United States and Israel while expressing solidarity with Iran.
The demonstrations followed heightened tensions in the Middle East following coordinated airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iranian targets.
In Nigeria, the Shi’ites have historically expressed solidarity with Iran and its leadership, often organising processions and demonstrations in response to developments involving the Islamic Republic.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has ordered commissioners of police across the country to heighten security measures in response to the development.
