The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a new travel advisory warning British citizens against visiting several parts of Nigeria due to escalating insecurity, terrorism, and kidnappings across multiple regions.
In its latest Foreign Travel Advice published on GOV.UK and seen by DAILY GAZETTE on Sunday, the UK government said insecurity was worsening across the country, with “kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence” occurring in all regions.
The FCDO specifically 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 Province (ISWAP), especially around transport hubs, religious gatherings, and public places.
It further warned that humanitarian workers, vehicles, and supplies have become targets for terrorists and criminal groups.
The UK government also 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 within the Federal Capital Territory.
“Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city,” the advisory noted.
British government staff in Nigeria have reportedly been told to restrict movement to areas within the Abuja metropolitan zone.
The FCDO also cautioned against participation in or proximity to public demonstrations, noting that protests in Abuja “can turn violent.”
In the North-East, the advisory highlighted ongoing military operations in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe, warning that any further deterioration in Maiduguri’s security situation could make it “extremely difficult” for people to leave.
In the South-East and South-South, the UK government warned against travel to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, citing the activities of militant groups that have attacked oil and gas installations.
“There’s a high risk of armed robbery, criminality, and kidnapping in these areas,” the statement added.
The advisory also noted the growing threat from separatist groups in the South-East, saying violent clashes with security forces are frequent, and though foreign nationals are not usually targeted, “they could be caught in attacks.”
In the South-West, including Lagos, the UK said crimes such as mugging, kidnapping, carjacking, and armed robbery remain common, especially in large cities.
While major terrorist attacks are relatively rare in the region, the advisory recalled that Islamic State West Africa claimed responsibility for two incidents in 2022.
The FCDO urged British nationals in Nigeria to remain alert, follow local security advice, avoid night travel, and ensure their emergency plans are up to date.
Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, from Islamist insurgency in the North-East to armed banditry in the North-West and separatist violence in the South-East.
Despite military operations and government assurances, deadly attacks, mass kidnappings, and criminal activities persist across several regions.
