The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a fresh travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting several parts of Nigeria amid worsening insecurity, terrorism, and kidnappings across the country.
In its latest Foreign Travel Advice released on Sunday, the FCDO said insecurity was spreading across all regions, with “kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occurring throughout Nigeria.”
It urged British nationals in the country to exercise extreme caution, review their safety plans, and prepare emergency exit strategies.
The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara States, citing a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa,” particularly around transport hubs, religious centres, and large gatherings.
UK Warns of Escalating Threats Nationwide
The advisory also cautioned humanitarian workers and foreign staff that “personnel, vehicles, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.”
It further discouraged all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba States, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja.
According to the FCDO, “violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to central, wealthier areas of the city.”
British officials in Nigeria have now been instructed to restrict movement within the Abuja metropolitan area only.
Protests in Abuja were also flagged as potential flashpoints. “There are protests in Abuja from time to time, which can turn violent. Monitor local media, avoid demonstrations and follow police instructions,” the statement warned.
In the North-East, where military operations continue in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, the FCDO said any further deterioration in security could make it “extremely difficult to leave cities like Maiduguri.”
South-East, South-South and Lagos Flagged as Risk Zones
The UK government also warned against all travel to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States, saying militant groups remain active and have carried out attacks on oil and gas infrastructure.
It added that there is a “high risk of armed robbery, criminality, and kidnap” in the region.
In the South-East, the advisory noted frequent “violent clashes with security forces.”
It warned travellers that while foreign nationals are not usually targeted, “there is a risk of being caught in an attack.”
In the South-West, including Lagos, the FCDO described “mugging, kidnapping, car-jacking and armed robbery” as common, particularly in the larger cities.
While large-scale terrorist attacks are rare, “Islamic State West Africa claimed two attacks in 2022,” though none involved foreign nationals.
The advisory urged travellers to remain alert, avoid night movements, and follow any safety advice issued by hotels or employers. “Make sure your security procedures and contingency plans are up to date,” it said.
Nigeria has struggled with overlapping security crises for more than a decade — from the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East to banditry in the North-West, communal violence in the Middle Belt, and separatist unrest in the South-East.
Despite government assurances of progress, militant and criminal groups continue to exploit weak governance, unemployment, and porous borders to sustain violence.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
