The Presidential Villa precinct in Abuja was placed under heavy security on Thursday as authorities restricted access to residents, government workers and individuals with official engagements within the State House area.

The heightened security measures followed threats of a protest over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.

A combined team of military personnel, police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) established security checkpoints along major routes leading to the Presidential Villa, including access roads from the Federal Secretariat, Supreme Court and Asokoro areas.

Security operatives conducted thorough screening of motorists and pedestrians, demanding identification and verification of their destinations before granting entry. Individuals without legitimate business within the State House precinct were turned back and directed to alternative routes.

The restrictions caused disruptions to traffic movement around parts of the Three Arms Zone and adjoining roads as security agencies intensified surveillance across strategic locations.

The security build-up comes amid plans by activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to lead a protest to the Presidential Villa if pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are not rescued.

Sowore had joined demonstrators in the Federal Capital Territory on Wednesday, where protesters demanded urgent action from the government to secure the release of the victims kidnapped on May 15.

During the demonstration, he criticised the government’s response to insecurity and vowed to continue public protests until the abductees regain their freedom.

According to him, protesters would march to the Presidential Villa if the victims remained in captivity, insisting that the federal government must fulfil its responsibility of protecting citizens and ensuring national security.

As of the time of filing this report, security personnel remained deployed across key entry points to the Presidential Villa, while access restrictions continued to be strictly enforced.

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The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, led a 10-member Nigerian federal government delegation to the United States on Wednesday to meet with Congressman Riley Moore regarding Nigeria’s security challenges and reports of Christian genocide.

The visit follows recent claims by former US President Donald Trump about the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria, prompting international attention. Since then, the Nigerian government has highlighted efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to curb insurgency and protect citizens across the country.

Key members of the delegation included Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation; General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to ONSA; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA; Ambassador Nuru Biu, Acting CDA, Nigerian Embassy; and Paul Alabi, Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria.

During the meeting in Washington, D.C., Nigerian officials outlined counterterrorism strategies, security assistance, and measures to protect vulnerable communities. Congressman Moore affirmed US support, stating that ongoing persecution against Christians and violent threats will not be ignored and pledged continued cooperation to address these challenges.

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the President, shared updates from the discussions, highlighting the productive dialogue and opportunities to strengthen US-Nigeria collaboration on security matters.

The delegation’s engagement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to tackling terrorism and reinforcing global confidence in its efforts to safeguard citizens from targeted attacks.

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The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday met with service chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies in Abuja following threats by United States President Donald Trump to launch military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

The high-level security meeting, held at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), assessed the implications of Trump’s remarks and deliberated on measures to coordinate a unified national security response.

Sources disclosed that the meeting, which began in the afternoon, was convened to review intelligence assessments and prepare for possible diplomatic and security outcomes.

The resolutions reached are expected to be communicated through official NSA channels.

Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, accused Nigeria’s government of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militants, warning that the U.S. “will attack and it will be fast, vicious, and sweet.” He later told reporters that both ground and air operations were being considered as part of the response.

Following the statement, Chad announced the immediate closure of its borders with Nigeria, citing security concerns and possible spillover effects of any U.S. military operation. President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno reportedly ordered a military lockdown along the border to prevent infiltration by armed groups.

Reacting to the development, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, called for renewed diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States, describing dialogue as the only path to resolving the dispute.

Similarly, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, warned against foreign intervention and urged President Bola Tinubu to expedite the creation of state police to curb insecurity.

In a separate statement, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said Trump’s stance was a reflection of Nigeria’s deteriorating security and governance, adding that the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” stemmed from leadership failures.

Security and diplomatic experts also cautioned that Trump’s comments could escalate tensions and harm investor confidence in Nigeria.

Professor Femi Otubanjo of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) described the threat as “frivolous and reactionary,” arguing that it did not reflect official U.S. foreign policy.

Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), warned that the remarks could undermine Nigeria’s global image and deter investment, despite lacking substantive policy backing.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government is expected to issue an official statement addressing the situation, as diplomatic discussions continue to prevent escalation and maintain bilateral relations with the United States.

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President Bola Tinubu has carried out a major shake-up in Nigeria’s military hierarchy, appointing new Service Chiefs in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s national security architecture.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

Other key appointments include Major-General W. Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

President Tinubu expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and leadership, while charging the newly appointed officers to uphold professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.

The statement added that all appointments take immediate effect.

The post JUST IN: Tinubu Sacks Service Chiefs, Names New Military Heads appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Visa revocations have sparked outrage among Nigerians as America defended its decision to cancel valid U.S. visas. The U.S. government said the move was necessary to protect national security and ensure the safety of its citizens.

Alongside this, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja released a new security advisory, warning American citizens in Nigeria to avoid unnecessary travel to military and government facilities, particularly in Abuja, due to ongoing threats.

Reports earlier this week confirmed that students, professionals, and frequent travelers were among those affected by the sudden visa cancellations. Many individuals received notices without prior warning.

Former NNPC spokesperson Femi Soneye revealed that dozens of Nigerians had been directed to submit their passports to the consulate, only to have their visas revoked.

Responding to the backlash, the Embassy explained that the revocations fall under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which permits visa cancellations if there are signs of ineligibility.

Speaking to BBC News Pidgin, an Embassy spokesperson said the measure was being enforced “on a scale never seen before” as part of efforts to strengthen border security.

“We use all available information to revoke visas in order to keep American borders secure and communities safe,” the spokesperson said. Cases involving overstays, criminal activity, and terrorism-related concerns were among those flagged.

The Embassy also noted that stricter vetting procedures, including mandatory social media checks for visa applicants, now form part of its screening process.

Fresh Security Advisory in Nigeria

In its latest alert dated September 2, 2025, the U.S. Mission advised its citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to Nigerian military and government facilities.

The Embassy urged Americans to steer clear of large gatherings, strengthen personal security plans, and remain alert in public places frequented by expatriates and government officials.

This latest notice adds to a string of advisories earlier this year:

• In March, citizens were told to avoid the Abuja National Mosque.

• In May, a warning followed an explosion near Mogadishu Barracks.

• In June, risks around military sites were reiterated.

• In July, citizens were cautioned over demonstrations during Ashura commemorations.

The September alert reinforces restrictions already in place for U.S. Mission staff, who may only visit military or government sites for official duties.

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