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US Embassy in Abuja Cancels Visa Appointments Over Rising Insecurity

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The United States Embassy Abuja has cancelled all visa appointments in the nation’s capital following growing security concerns across parts of the country.

The development has affected hundreds of applicants, with the mission asking them to await further instructions on new dates.

The announcement was made on Thursday through the official X handle of the U.S. mission in Nigeria.

In a short notice, the embassy confirmed that all scheduled visa interviews in Abuja have been suspended for now.

Applicants were told to monitor their emails for updates regarding rescheduling.

The statement reads: “U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments.

“Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.”

While the embassy did not go into full details in its public notice, the decision comes shortly after the United States Department of State authorized the departure of non-essential staff and family members from its Abuja mission. The move followed what officials described as a worsening security situation in parts of Nigeria.

An updated travel advisory released by the Department has also raised fresh concerns among both Nigerians and foreign nationals. The advisory urged American citizens to reconsider travelling to Nigeria due to persistent threats, including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

Nigeria remains under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, according to the U.S. government. However, several states have been placed under a stricter “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warning.

Among the states listed are Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa, where terrorism and kidnapping risks are said to be high. Other states such as Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara were also flagged over security concerns linked to unrest and criminal activities.

The advisory has triggered mixed reactions within Nigeria. The Federal Government of Nigeria has pushed back against the assessment, describing it as “unbalanced.” Authorities insisted that the report does not fully reflect ongoing efforts to address insecurity across the country.

Officials also called on international partners to ensure that travel advisories are based on accurate and updated information, warning that such reports could negatively affect Nigeria’s image and economic activities.

Despite the situation in Abuja, visa processing and other consular services continue at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, which has not been affected by the latest directive.

The development is expected to cause delays for many Nigerians seeking travel to the United States, especially those with urgent appointments or time-sensitive applications.

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Abiodun moves to reconcile aggrieved APC members in Ogun East

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Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has moved to reconcile aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who lost in the party’s recent primaries, assuring them that there would be room for all within the party.

Abiodun, who spoke on Monday in Ijebu-Ode during a meeting with APC leaders and stakeholders in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, directed the immediate establishment of a reconciliation committee to reach out to aggrieved members, address their concerns and give them a sense of belonging.

The Governor said the reconciliation effort was critical to strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that those who contested and lost the primaries remained important members of the APC.

“I want us to set up a reconciliation committee in Ijebu-Ode because I know that we have some of our members who are still angry. I want us to be aggressive about that reconciliation. Let us appeal to them. I am ready to implement the report of the reconciliation you will submit to me,” he said.

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Abiodun directed that the committee be headed by Chief Olu Okuboyejo, with former Deputy Governor Yetunde Onanuga and state commissioners serving as members.

He also directed that similar reconciliation committees be established at the ward and local government levels to ensure that no aggrieved member was left out of the process.

The Governor assured party members that the objective was not only to reconcile those who lost in the primaries but also to accommodate everyone who remained committed to the party.

“We must reach out to them, give them a sense of belonging, assuage their concerns and ensure proper reconciliation. There is room for everybody,” he said.

Abiodun said elections were about numbers, urging party leaders to bring back members who might have become aggrieved while simultaneously expanding the APC’s membership base by welcoming new members from opposition parties.

“Those who were not with us before were the ones disturbing us and making sure our votes in Ijebu-Ode are not 100 per cent. But now that they are with us, our victory is certainly 100 per cent sure. Let us welcome them,” he said.

The Governor urged party members to concentrate on issue-based campaigns, saying the APC had a record of performance at both the state and federal levels.

He said his administration had grown Ogun State’s economy to about N17 trillion, while internally generated revenue had risen to N250 billion and was projected to reach N300 billion before the end of the year.

Abiodun described the meeting as the formal commencement of his political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections and appreciated the people of Ijebu-Ode for their support for the APC in the 2019 and 2023 elections.

He assured the people that his administration would continue to improve infrastructure and deliver more dividends of democracy to the area.

The Director-General of the Campaign Committee, Senator Lekan Mustapha, said Ijebu-Ode, being the headquarters of Ogun East Senatorial District, had a significant voter population that must be effectively mobilised for the party ahead of the elections.

He noted that the local government had 161 polling units, stressing the need for effective mobilisation across all the units.

The Governor later held similar meetings with APC leaders and executives in Ijebu-North East and Odogbolu Local Government Areas as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Gov. Mutfwang imposes curfew in three Plateau LGAs over insecurity

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Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has declared a curfew in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas of the state over security threats in the region.

A statement on Monday by Joyce Ramnap, the commissioner for information and communication, said the dusk-to-dawn curfew was imposed to stabilise the state.

‎‎“‎Effective today, Monday, September 21, 2026, the restriction of movement is between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM until further notice,” she said.

She stated that Mr Mutfwang took the measure to allow law enforcement agencies to stabilise the area, protect lives, and prevent any breakdown of law and order within local communities.

“‎‎Therefore, all residents of affected Local Government Areas are expected to fully comply with the government’s directive for their own safety,” Ms Ramnap said.

She added that citizens are advised to plan their daily commercial, agricultural and personal activities strictly around the restricted hours to avoid unnecessary hardship or friction during the quiet hours.

“‎‎So far, security operatives have been directed to strictly enforce the curfew and the ban on use of motorcycles with immediate effect throughout the affected jurisdiction,” she noted.

She reassured law-abiding citizens that security personnel would operate with professionalism.

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