By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
The United States government has announced the revocation of visas belonging to more than 80,000 foreign nationals, including a significant number of Nigerians, citing criminal offenses and security concerns.
In a statement released on Thursday, the US Department of State described the move as part of President Donald Trump’s “promises made, promises kept” campaign pledge to prioritize American safety and national interests.
The statement noted that President Trump “will always put the safety and interests of the American people first”.
According to the Department, the visa cancellations were prompted by offences ranging from assault, theft, and driving under the influence (DUI) to terrorism, support for terrorism, public-safety threats, and overstaying visas. The breakdown shows that in 2025 alone, 16,000 individuals involved in DUI offences, 12,000 in assault cases, and 8,000 in theft-related crimes had their visas revoked.
The US government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that only individuals who uphold American laws and values are allowed to enter or remain in the country.
In a broader context of escalating pressure on Nigeria’s security record, President Trump recently announced that he has directed the Department of Defense (formerly referenced as the “Department of War”) to prepare for possible military action against Nigeria if its government continues to allow the killing of Christians.
He placed Nigeria on the US list of “Countries of Particular Concern” for alleged religious-freedom violations, and reports indicate that US military planners have drawn up three intervention options: light (partner-enabled operations), medium (drone strikes), and heavy (air carrier-group deployment) — should the US proceed.
