The United Kingdom government has issued a new travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting several parts of Nigeria due to rising insecurity, terrorism, and violent crime.
In the latest update published on its official website, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) cautioned that insecurity is worsening nationwide, with frequent incidents of kidnapping, armed attacks, and intercommunal clashes.
The FCDO advised British nationals to exercise extreme caution, review their safety measures, and ensure contingency plans are in place.
Specifically, it warned against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara States, citing the “high and increasing threat” from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), particularly around transport hubs, religious sites, and large gatherings.
The advisory also 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 — including armed robbery and kidnapping — has spread from the outskirts of Abuja into more central and affluent areas of the capital. British government staff in Nigeria have been restricted to travel within the Abuja metropolitan area.
The advisory also highlighted periodic protests in Abuja that could turn violent, urging travelers to monitor local media, avoid demonstrations, and obey security instructions.
In the North-East, the UK government noted that military operations remain active in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, warning of possible retaliatory attacks. It cautioned residents in Maiduguri that deteriorating security conditions could make it extremely difficult to leave the city.
For the South-East and South-South, the FCDO advised against all travel to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States, citing militant activity, oil infrastructure attacks, and a high risk of armed robbery and kidnapping.
It further expressed concern over secessionist-related violence in the South-East, warning that clashes between armed groups and security forces remain frequent, with a risk that foreign nationals could be caught in crossfire.
In the South-West, including Lagos, the advisory said crimes such as mugging, car-jacking, and kidnapping are common, especially in major cities. Although terrorist attacks are rare, the FCDO noted that Islamic State West Africa had claimed responsibility for two attacks in 2022.
The statement concluded by urging Britons in high-risk areas to stay alert, follow local security advice, and keep safety and contingency plans up to date.
Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, separatist agitations, and communal violence across different regions.
