The United States Embassy in Nigeria has mandated the disclosure of all social media usernames, handles used over the past 5 years as part of visa application process. The directive follows the recent announcement of the U.S. Department to bolster national security through enhanced screening measures.
The U.S. embassy, on its official X page today, disclosed that Nigerian visa applicants must provide detailed social media profiles. It is warned that failure to do it could lead to visa details and potential ineligibility for a U.S visa.
Furthermore, applicants are urged to sign and submit true and verified information on the DS-160 visa application form. The embassy, therefore, advised travellers to carefully review their applications before submission to avoid errors and omissions.
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American citizens warned to avoid military, government facilities in Nigeria
The U.S mission has raised an alarm advising American citizens to avoid non-essential government facilities due to global security concerns. The embassy stated that all embassy personnel and their families are prohibited from visiting Nigerian military sites.
The alarm follows unspecified global developments that have prompted heightened security measures and reevaluation of movement around sensitive locations. The embassy urged its citizens to remain vigilant in public places, particularly in government officials’ locations.
Also, U.s citizens in Nigeria are urged to avoid large gatherings, maintain unpredictable routines and know the building’s emergency exits. Similarly, they are encouraged to be cautious and review their personal security plans during their stay in Nigeria.
However, the consular sections of the embassy in Nigeria and the consulate general in Lagos remain operational despite the new restrictions. Citizens are implored to visit the embassy officials’ website for further information or assistance.