The United States government has justified its recent large-scale revocation of visas issued to Nigerian citizens, insisting the move was necessary to safeguard national security and protect its citizens.
The decision comes as the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria issued a fresh security advisory on September 2, 2025, warning its citizens against unnecessary travel to military and government facilities in Abuja and other parts of the country due to ongoing security threats.
Reports emerged earlier in the week that several Nigerians—including students, business professionals, families, and frequent travelers—had their valid visas suddenly revoked. Many of those affected said they were notified without prior warning and instructed to submit their passports at the U.S. consulate in Lagos or Abuja, only to have their visas cancelled.
Former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) spokesperson, Femi Soneye, who drew public attention to the development, said dozens of Nigerians reached out to him with similar complaints. According to him, the cancellations were abrupt and carried out without clear explanation.
Responding to these concerns, the U.S. Embassy confirmed the revocations, stating they were consistent with legal provisions under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). A spokesperson told BBC News Pidgin that Section 221(i) of the Act empowers the Secretary of State and consular officers to revoke visas at any time if there is “indication of a potential ineligibility.”
The spokesperson further stressed that the U.S. is applying these rules “on a scale never seen before,” describing the effort as part of a wider campaign to strengthen border security.
> “We use all the information we gather to implement this on a large scale to keep American borders secure and American communities safe,” the Embassy stated.
Citing U.S. immigration policies under the Trump administration, the Embassy emphasized that visas are revoked when foreign visitors—including students—overstay their legal stay, commit crimes, support terrorist groups, or otherwise violate U.S. laws. The Embassy also recalled that social media checks had been introduced in recent years as part of visa application reviews.
Security Advisory for U.S. Citizens in Nigeria
Alongside the visa crackdown, the U.S. Mission issued an updated advisory urging its citizens in Nigeria to avoid unnecessary visits to military and government facilities, especially in Abuja. The alert pointed to “continued security concerns” and recommended measures such as avoiding large gatherings, reviewing personal security plans, and exercising heightened vigilance in public places.
The Mission explained that the restrictions also apply to its own staff, who are only allowed to visit such facilities for official purposes.
This latest advisory adds to a string of security warnings in 2025. In March, the U.S. cautioned against visits to the Abuja National Mosque; in May, it warned against travel near Mogadishu Barracks after an explosion; in June, it reiterated avoidance of military facilities due to escalating risks; and in July, it advised caution during the Ashura Commemoration, citing past incidents of clashes and roadblocks.
The September 2 alert ties these warnings to broader global security developments and advises Americans in Nigeria to stay alert, particularly in locations frequented by Westerners, expatriates, and government officials.
