The United States government has justified the sudden cancellation of valid visas belonging to several Nigerian citizens, insisting the move is rooted in safeguarding its borders and protecting American citizens.
The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria confirmed that the cancellations—affecting students, business professionals, families, and frequent travelers—were being executed under legal provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Citing Section 221(i), a spokesperson explained that consular officers are empowered to revoke visas “at any time” if there are signs of potential ineligibility.
“In a scale never seen before, we are acting to keep American borders secure and American communities safe,” the spokesperson told BBC News Pidgin.
The revocations, however, sparked outrage among Nigerians, who lamented that the process was carried out without prior notice. Former NNPC spokesperson, Femi Soneye, disclosed that dozens of affected citizens had contacted him, describing how they were ordered to submit their passports at consulates in Lagos or Abuja—only to have their visas summarily revoked.
The U.S. Embassy maintained that the crackdown aligns with its wider security measures under the Trump administration, including stricter checks on visa applicants’ social media history, curbs on overstays, and a crackdown on potential links to criminal or terrorist activities.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Mission has issued a fresh security alert to its citizens in Nigeria, urging them to avoid unnecessary visits to government and military facilities, especially in Abuja. The advisory cited “continued security concerns” and advised Americans to avoid large gatherings, review personal safety plans, and remain vigilant in public spaces.
This warning follows a series of advisories earlier in the year, including alerts over explosions near Mogadishu Barracks in May and potential demonstrations during July’s Ashura commemoration.
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The latest alert, dated September 2, 2025, underscores a growing U.S. concern about Nigeria’s security environment, particularly locations frequented by Westerners and government officials.
