Just In: US Issues Security Alert to Americans in Nigeria, Gives Reason
- The United States Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria has sent an important message to Americans living in the West African country
- The US Embassy alerts its citizens of the protests organised by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in Abuja
- Americans were told the possible protest locations to avoid and actions to take to remain safe in Abuja, the nation's capital
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 7 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international events
FCT, Abuja - The United States Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria has issued security alert to its citizens over the planned protests by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in Abuja and other major cities.
The US embassy said the demonstration will hold on Friday, March 28, 2025 with heavy traffic and other disruptions are possible.
Source: Getty Images
This was contained in a statement issued via the US Embassy's official website on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
According to the statement, protests may involve roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion, and physical confrontations.
Americans are warned to avoid the following locations: Bannex Plaza, Berger Junction, Unity Fountain, National Human Rights Commission Head Office, Eagle Square, Area 10 Shopping Plaza, National Mosque, Al-Noor Mosque, and Fouad Lababidi Mosque.
The US consulate advised Americans to take the following actions to remain safe:
- Avoid areas where protests are taking place.
- Avoid crowds.
- Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of an emergency.
- Carry proper identification.
The statement, however, explained that the Consular Sections of the Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos will remain open.
What is the purpose of IMN's procession?
Legit.ng gathers that the IMN's procession on Friday was to celebrate International Quds Day. International Quds Day, also known as Yaum al-Quds, was established in 1979 by the late leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (QS).
It is observed on the last Friday of each year’s Ramadan. The day serves as a platform to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and oppose Zionist oppression, particularly in response to the Israeli occupation of Jerusalem and other oppressions in the world.
Legit.ng learns that central to the observance of Quds Day is the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in Jerusalem’s Old City. As the third-holiest site in Islam after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, Al-Aqsa holds immense religious, historical, and political significance. However, the mosque remains under Zionist occupation, where the blood of the Palestinians is being shed freely, thus the need for the broader struggle for Palestinian liberation.
Source: Original
IMN's procession turns violent
Meanwhile, a violent clash reportedly erupted between security agents and members of the IMN, as anticipated by the US embassy.
The clash, according to Premium Times, ensued during the Quds procession by the IMN members on Friday around the Banex roundabout in Wuse 2.
Jafaar Gali, one of the leaders of the Friday procession, saud that the procession started after the Jumat prayers.
“We were around Zenith Bank at Banex when some soldiers came to stop us,” he said, confessing that they also hurled stones at the soldiers.
Gali claimed many of their members have been killed or injured. However, this has not been verified. Another Shiite member who simply identified as Muhammad said that the bodies of some of their members killed have been taken to Mararaba, Nasarawa state.
US Embassy cautions against overstaying visas
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Nigeria issued a stern warning, emphasising the potential for permanent travel bans for overstaying.
U.S. visas, Consular officers have full access to immigration histories, making violations impossible to conceal.
The Embassy urged travellers to use their visas correctly, stressing that even "honest mistakes" would not be excused.
US warns against visa fraud
In another report, the US Embassy in Nigeria warned that visa fraud, including lying or submitting fake documents, can lead to permanent visa bans under U.S. immigration law.
The embassy emphasised that such bans are irreversible, preventing individuals from ever entering the United States.
Prospective applicants were urged to ensure honesty and transparency during the visa application process to avoid these severe consequences.
Nurudeen Lawal, Head of Politics and Current Affairs, contributed to this report with key insights on International Quds Day and the latest updates on the procession.
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Source: Legit.ng
