United States President Donald Trump has ordered the recall of Richard Mills, the US ambassador to Nigeria, as part of a sweeping overhaul of Washington’s diplomatic missions abroad.
The move is understood to be part of a broader reshuffle affecting more than two dozen countries, with Africa emerging as the most impacted region.
Several ambassadors across the continent have reportedly been directed to return to Washington.
Although the US State Department has yet to issue a detailed statement on the decision, the recall is being viewed as a strategic realignment of American foreign policy under President Trump’s leadership.
Diplomatic sources indicate that the affected envoys are largely career diplomats who remained in office from previous administrations.
Their recall does not necessarily amount to dismissal, as many are expected to be reassigned within the US foreign service.
In Nigeria, the development is likely to draw attention given the country’s strategic importance to US interests in West Africa, particularly in areas such as security cooperation, trade, and regional stability.
Moreover, analysts say the decision signals a renewed effort by the Trump administration to recalibrate diplomatic representation in line with its policy priorities, rather than a routine rotation of envoys.
Further details are expected to emerge as the State Department clarifies the next steps for the affected embassies and outlines interim leadership arrangements where necessary.