Richard Mills has officially left his post as United States ambassador to Nigeria following a global recall of US envoys ordered by President Donald Trump.

The US mission in Nigeria confirmed on Tuesday that Mills’ last day in the country was Friday. He was confirmed as ambassador in May 2024, a role that typically lasts three to four years.

The recall, part of a diplomatic shake-up in December, affected over two dozen countries, with African nations among the most impacted. Mills’ departure comes amid tensions between the US and Nigeria over visa issues and security concerns, even as both countries continued efforts to strengthen their bilateral relationship.

State Department officials clarified that the recalled ambassadors will retain their foreign service positions and may return to Washington for other assignments if they choose.

The US mission also announced that Keith Heffern, the deputy chief of mission, will take over as charge d’affaires in Nigeria until further notice.