The United States government has heightened its security posture in Nigeria following a terror threat alert to U.S citizens in Nigeria.
Issued late Monday, March 9, 2026, the terror threat alert warns of possible attacks targeting American government facilities and U.S.-affiliated schools across the country.
The advisory, released by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, specifically identified the Embassy itself, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, and various international schools as potential targets.
This latest U.S. terror threat alert to citizens in Nigeria comes amidst a period of regional volatility. It follows recent coordinated military strikes involving U.S. forces in the Middle East, which have sparked protests in several northern Nigerian states.
The State Department has urged all American nationals currently in the country to exercise extreme caution. The alert also recommended that individuals avoid predictable routines and maintain a low profile in public spaces.
The notice asked US citizens to exercise increased vigilance when travelling to its offices in Abuja and Lagos, as well as schools affiliated with the United States.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens of a possible terrorist threat against U.S. facilities and U.S.-affiliated schools in Nigeria.
“The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens take additional precautions when travelling to the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, and U.S.-affiliated schools, to include varying times and routes,” the statement read.
The embassy advised American nationals to vary their travel times and routes, avoid predictable routines, and ensure their mobile phones are charged in case of emergencies.
“Be aware of your surroundings, keep a low profile, review your personal security plans, vary your regular routes, keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency, stay alert in public places, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and familiarise yourself with emergency exits when entering buildings,” it said.
The embassy did not spell out the source of the threat.
The warning in Nigeria also comes amid a global security warning by the United States after Washington and Israel attacked Iran, which has responded with missile and drone attacks against its U.S.-aligned neighbours.
It also follows protests in Lagos and some northern states by members of the leadership of the Islamic Movement, who denounced the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in strikes by the United States and Israel.
The development comes as Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, wife of Iran’s Supreme Leader, reportedly died from injuries sustained during recent United States and Israeli strikes at her residence in Tehran.
Recall that President Donald Trump on Christmas Day ordered U.S bombings of Nigeria, saying he was targeting jihadists.
