U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has ended his tour of duty in the country following President Donald Trump’s recall of about 30 U.S. envoys from countries globally.

Mills was confirmed as U.S. ambassador to Nigeria nearly two years ago in May, 2024. “Ambassador Mills led the U.S. Mission in strengthening relationship with Nigeria for the last year and a half.

“Current Deputy Chief of Mission Keith Heffern will serve as Charge d’Affaires, a.i. until further notice,” the U.S. Mission in Nigeria said on Tuesday.

Trump announced the comprehensive diplomatic shake-up in December, 2025, affecting many U.S. envoys, including Mills, whose tour of duty officially ended on Friday.

Unlike typical transitions where political appointees resign, this move was considered highly unusual because it abruptly removed career diplomats, who usually remain in place for continuity.

The affected diplomats, most of whom were career Foreign Service officers, who were appointed during the Biden administration, were notified that their tenures would end in January, 2026.