The United Kingdom has cautioned its citizens against travelling to several parts of Nigeria due to worsening insecurity across the country.
In its latest travel advisory, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said, “Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.”
The advisory, published on the UK government’s official website, urged British nationals to remain vigilant, review safety measures, and have emergency plans ready.
According to the statement, the FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, describing them as high-risk areas with a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings.”
It also warned that “humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.”
The UK government further advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as some outer parts of Abuja, citing growing security concerns.
The advisory noted that violent crime, often involving firearms, has spread from Abuja’s outskirts to more central and affluent areas. It added that British officials in Nigeria are currently restricted to movements within the Abuja metropolitan area.
The FCDO also drew attention to recurring protests in the capital. “There are protests in Abuja from time to time, which can turn violent. Monitor local media, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and follow instructions from local police and security forces,” it said.
In the North-East, military operations continue in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe, with the FCDO warning of possible retaliatory attacks. Travellers in Maiduguri were told that worsening security could make evacuation extremely difficult.
The advisory extended to the South-South and South-East regions, warning against travel to “the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states,” where militant activities remain a threat. It added that “there’s a high risk of armed robbery, criminality and kidnap” in these areas.
The report also mentioned “secessionist groups active in the south-east,” noting frequent clashes between them and security forces. While foreigners are not usually targeted, the UK warned that they could be caught in crossfire during attacks.
In the South-West, including Lagos, the government described “mugging, kidnapping, car-jacking and armed robbery” as “common, particularly in the larger cities.” Although major terrorist incidents are uncommon, the FCDO recalled that Islamic State West Africa claimed two attacks in 2022.
British travellers were urged to be careful when moving around Lagos, especially at night, and to seek safety advice from hotels or employers.