Security agencies on Wednesday deployed heavily armed personnel across strategic locations in Abuja as authorities heightened vigilance over the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Soldiers and police officers were stationed around key government institutions, diplomatic zones and major highways in the Federal Capital Territory in what officials described as precautionary security measures to prevent potential unrest linked to the intensifying Middle East crisis.

The heightened presence followed a security alert issued by the United States Embassy in Nigeria warning its citizens of possible protests in the capital. The alert urged Americans to avoid crowded areas and remain vigilant as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.

Security checkpoints were mounted along major routes including the busy Abuja-Keffi highway, causing heavy traffic as authorities sought to prevent demonstrations reportedly planned by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria over the ongoing strikes on Iran.

Armed personnel, some mounted on gun trucks and armoured carriers, were also seen at key junctions such as the Mararaba-Nyanya axis, Kugbo and other critical areas within the city, including the vicinity of the Ministry of Finance and Eagles Square.

In a related development, the US Embassy in Abuja suspended all visa interview appointments scheduled for Wednesday, citing security considerations linked to the rapidly evolving conflict between Washington and Tehran. The embassy assured affected applicants that their appointments would be rescheduled while emergency consular services would remain available.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East intensified as Iran postponed a planned public farewell ceremony for its late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, reportedly killed during joint United States–Israel air strikes.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that any successor chosen by Iran to continue policies hostile to Israel could become a target, underscoring the deepening rhetoric between the rival powers.

The crisis has already begun to affect global markets, with analysts warning of possible disruptions to oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s crude oil passes.

In Nigeria, religious leaders have also urged restraint. The League of Chief Imams advised Nigerians not to participate in protests over the Middle East crisis, stressing the need to maintain peace and avoid actions that could threaten national security.