Richard Mills has ended his tenure as United States ambassador to Nigeria following a recall of envoys from numerous US missions worldwide under President Donald Trump.

According to a Tuesday statement from the US mission in Nigeria, Mills’ final day in office was Friday.

He was confirmed as ambassador in May 2024.

Ambassadors typically serve three to four years, but a diplomatic reshuffle in December led to Mills being withdrawn from his post.

More than two dozen countries were reportedly affected, with Africa hit hardest.

Mills’ recall comes amid strained US-Nigeria relations over visa disputes and security issues.

The move occurred even as both nations sought to advance initiatives to strengthen their partnership.

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

The US mission in Nigeria announced that Keith Heffern, the current deputy chief of mission, will serve as chargé d’affaires until further notice.