The President of the Godswill Akpabio has responded to concerns over the reported withdrawal of some personnel from the United States Embassy in Nigeria, saying the development is driven by global security considerations rather than domestic political conditions.
His remarks come after reports that the United States Department of State authorised the departure of non-emergency staff and their families from its Abuja mission on April 8, 2026, amid what it described as heightened security risks in Nigeria. The advisory also urged American citizens to reconsider travel due to concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
Speaking at the commissioning of the new NRS headquarters in Abuja, Akpabio dismissed suggestions that embassies were scaling down operations because of Nigeria’s upcoming elections, describing such interpretations as misleading.
He argued that diplomatic adjustments by countries are often linked to wider global threats, not internal political developments in Nigeria. According to him, some nations are taking precautionary steps due to rising international tensions.
Akpabio specifically referenced fears of broader geopolitical conflict, suggesting that countries like the United States may be adjusting their diplomatic posture globally in response to security threats from adversaries.
He urged Nigerians to avoid linking embassy decisions to domestic politics, stressing that election cycles should not be used as a basis for interpreting international security actions.
The Senate President further reassured citizens of national safety, expressing confidence that Nigeria remains secure despite global uncertainties, and called for calm amid the reports.
