The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued a new travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting parts of Nigeria due to growing insecurity, terrorism, violent crime, and kidnappings across the country.
In the latest guidance published on the UK government website (GOV.UK) and seen by The News Chronicle on Sunday, the FCDO said insecurity was worsening nationwide, with incidents of kidnapping, violent attacks, and communal clashes occurring in all regions.
The statement urged British nationals to be extremely cautious, review their safety measures, and have backup plans in case of emergencies.
The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara States, citing an “increasing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), especially near transport hubs, religious sites, and large gatherings.” It also warned that terrorists and criminals sometimes target humanitarian workers, vehicles, and supplies.
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 the outer suburbs of Abuja.
According to the FCDO, violent crime involving firearms has increased and is spreading from the outskirts of Abuja to more central and affluent areas.
British government staff in Nigeria have been instructed to restrict their movement to the main parts of the capital city.
The advisory also mentioned that protests sometimes occur in Abuja and can turn violent. Travellers were told to monitor local media, avoid demonstrations and large crowds, and follow directions from police and security forces.
In the North-East, the FCDO described the situation as particularly dangerous, with ongoing military operations in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States and the risk of retaliatory attacks. It warned that if security in Maiduguri worsens, leaving the city could become extremely difficult.
The advisory also cautioned against travelling to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States in the South-South region, where militant groups are active and often attack oil and gas facilities. Armed robbery, kidnapping, and other crimes are said to be common in these areas.
In the South-East, the FCDO noted the activities of secessionist groups, which frequently clash with security forces. Although foreigners are not typically targeted, travellers could still be caught in violent incidents.
Even in the South-West, including Lagos, the advisory warned that crimes such as mugging, kidnapping, carjacking, and armed robbery are widespread, particularly in large cities. It advised visitors to be careful, especially on the mainland, and to avoid moving around at night.
The statement concluded by urging anyone currently in high-risk areas to remain alert, follow all security advice, and ensure their safety and emergency plans are current.
Nigeria continues to face major security challenges, including terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, separatist violence in the South-East, and militancy in the Niger Delta.
Despite ongoing military operations, attacks by insurgents and criminal groups remain a serious concern across the country.
