The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an updated travel advisory for Nigeria, warning of escalating insecurity, violent crime, terrorism, and kidnappings across multiple regions.
According to the latest guidance published on GOV.UK, the FCDO emphasized that “insecurity is increasing across Nigeria” and that kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout the country. British nationals are urged to exercise extreme caution, review personal safety procedures, and have contingency plans in place.
The advisory strongly discourages all travel to the states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara, citing a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas, and large gatherings.” It noted that humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure could be targeted by terrorists and criminals.
Travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, and the outer suburbs of Abuja is advised only if essential, due to increased violent crime often involving firearms. British Government staff in Nigeria have been instructed to restrict travel to areas within the Abuja metropolitan area. Protests in the capital may escalate and should be avoided.
The FCDO highlighted particular concern in the North-East, where ongoing military operations in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe pose risks of retaliatory attacks. Residents and visitors in Maiduguri were warned that deteriorating security could severely restrict movement.
In the South-East and South-South, all travel to riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River is advised against due to militant activity targeting oil and gas infrastructure, armed robbery, criminality, and kidnappings. The advisory also cited risks associated with secessionist groups in the South-East, noting that clashes with military and security forces are frequent and can endanger bystanders, including foreign nationals.
In the South-West, including Lagos, violent crimes such as mugging, kidnapping, carjacking, and armed robbery are common, particularly in larger cities and on the mainland. Travelers are urged to exercise caution, avoid nighttime travel, and remain vigilant. While large-scale terrorist attacks are rare, Islamic State West Africa claimed two attacks in 2022.
The FCDO concluded by advising those currently in high-risk areas to remain alert, follow local security advice, and ensure their safety procedures and contingency plans are up to date.
The advisory reflects ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, driven by terrorism, banditry, separatist movements, and communal conflict. Boko Haram and splinter groups like Islamic State West Africa Province continue to target civilians, security forces, and aid workers in the North-East, while banditry and abductions persist in the North-West and North-Central regions. Separatist tensions in the South-East and militancy related to oil theft in the Niger Delta maintain volatility in those areas.#newsafro_
