By Marvellous Nyang
December 22, 2025
The United States President, Donald Trump, has initiated a major diplomatic reshuffle, recalling nearly thirty career diplomats from ambassadorial and senior embassy positions worldwide.
Specific reports confirm that the United States ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has been recalled in line with the broader diplomatic realignment initiated by the Trump administration.
According to reports, his recall is part of a comprehensive reorganisation of US diplomatic personnel across Africa and other regions, reflecting the administration’s effort to align foreign representation with its strategic priorities.
The move is part of the administration’s effort to align US foreign representation with its “America first” priorities.
ALSO READ: US commits $2.1bn to support Christian healthcare, strengthen Nigeria’s national health system
The affected diplomats, appointed during previous administrations, were informed that their tenures would end in January 2026, after which they are expected to return to Washington, DC for reassignment if they choose.
The State Department described the changes as standard personnel decisions under presidential authority, emphasising that ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president.
The recalls have drawn concern from some lawmakers and the American Foreign Service Association, which represents US diplomats.
Africa is the region most affected, with ambassadors from at least thirteen countries, including Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia and Uganda, being recalled.
Other regions are also impacted, with senior US diplomats in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and the Western Hemisphere asked to end their postings.
In Asia, the ambassador to Sri Lanka has also been included in the recall, underscoring the global scope of the initiative.
The administration’s action represents a significant shift in US diplomacy, involving the return to Washington of nearly thirty ambassadorial chiefs from postings including Nigeria.
Analysts suggest the move is intended to ensure that US foreign policy priorities are consistently represented abroad, though some observers have raised concerns about the impact on bilateral relations and continuity within the foreign service.
Leading news outlets covering the development include The Guardian, Arise TV, Premium Times Nigeria, Business Day and AP News, all highlighting the scale and global reach of the ambassadorial recalls.
