Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the United States is reducing its embassy staff in Nigeria over fears of possible attacks linked to tensions involving Iran.
Akpabio made the remark on Tuesday during the inauguration of the new headquarters of the National Assembly Service Commission in Abuja. He addressed reports of foreign missions scaling down operations in the country.
He explained that the development is not peculiar to Nigeria but forms part of broader global security precautions being taken by some countries.
“Some people say that even now that some embassies are closing down. Not many embassies are closing down. Many of the embassies are afraid of repercussions from their foes,” he said.
He added, “For instance, I can say that America is a bit worried about the bomb blast from Iran, and so across the world, they have to reduce their staff in case Iran decides to attack their embassies.
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Akpabio dismissed suggestions that the situation was linked to Nigeria’s political climate or the forthcoming elections, insisting that diplomatic missions were acting based on international security considerations.
“When people are thinking, oh, Nigeria’s embassies are closing because the election is coming. It’s not because the election is coming.
“The election will come and go, and God will protect you. God will protect Nigeria. Nigeria will outlive this election,” he added.
Recall that the US Department of State authorised non-emergency US government employees and their family members to leave the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.
In an updated travel advisory issued on last week Wednesday, the department noted that, starting April 8, 2026, Americans are advised to reconsider travel to the country due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The advisory classified the overall travel advisory for Nigeria as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while some states are at “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”
