Updated: Security Beefed Up In Abuja As US Fears Pro-Iran Protests

Security checks were high in some parts of Abuja, the Nigerian capital on Wednesday, following the threat of violent protest reportedly planned by pro-Iranian groups against the ongoing joint military assault on the Mullah Regime in Tehran by Israel and the United States.

Armed soldiers were seen in a convoy of trucks and other vehicles along the popular Keffi-Abuja Highway while a checkpoint was mounted around the Kugbo hill near the boundary between Abuja and Nasarawa State as residents moved with caution on Wednesday.

This was sequel to the warning issued by the United States Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday to its citizens in Nigeria, warning of a high likelihood of protests in Abuja and other parts of the country on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

In a statement, the embassy said that previous pro-Iranian protests in Abuja in this case by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiite had caused death and destruction when they clashed with security operatives.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens that there is a high potential for protests in Abuja today, March 4, 2026, due to the current conflict with Iran,” the statement said.

It added that earlier protests had resulted in “violent clashes between the group and Nigerian security forces.”

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens that there is a high potential for protests in Abuja today, March 4, 2026, due to the current conflict with… pic.twitter.com/oqEFlWSqBE — U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) March 4, 2026.

“The embassy strongly advised American citizens living in the Federal Capital Territory to remain indoors for the day.

“The Embassy strongly recommends that all U.S. citizens in Abuja remain in their residences on Wednesday, March 4,” it said.

The mission also urged US citizens to avoid protest locations and crowded areas and to exercise caution if they unexpectedly find themselves near demonstrations and advised them to “monitor local media for updates,” and remain aware of their surroundings and keep a low profile.

The citizens were also advised to review their personal security plans, keep their mobile phones charged, carry proper identification and remain alert in public spaces such as shopping centres, cinemas and places of worship.

It told the citizens to familiarise themselves with emergency exits when entering buildings and to vary travel routes and times in order to reduce predictability.

Despite the security warning, the embassy said its consular services remain operational.

“The Consular Sections of Embassy Abuja and U.S. Consulate General Lagos remain open,” the statement said, even as it admonished the citizens to continue monitoring its official platforms for further updates as the situation develops.

Pro-Iranian protests have largely been organised by the Shiites and the latest conflict in Iran, a Shia majority country, apparently presented an opportunity to the adherents of Shia Islam in Nigeria to demonstrate their displeasure over the war in Iran. The Shiites have already staged massive protests in some northern Nigerian cities.
However, their previous demonstrations have often ended in clashes with the security agencies leading to deaths and destruction of public property.

At the time of filing this report on Wednesday there were serious incidents in Abuja but security is on high alert.