UK Advises Citizens to Avoid Six Nigerian States Amid Worsening Security Crisis

The United Kingdom has issued a renewed travel warning for British nationals planning to visit Nigeria, citing a sharp rise in insecurity, terrorism, violent crime, and kidnappings across multiple regions.

According to the latest advisory from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), insecurity is worsening nationwide, with incidents of abduction and intercommunal violence reported in all parts of the country. The government urged citizens to take heightened precautions, update their safety procedures, and ensure they have emergency plans in place.

The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states due to “a high and increasing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa,” particularly near transport hubs, religious centres, and large gatherings. Humanitarian operations in these areas were also flagged as potential targets for terrorists and criminals.

The advisory further discouraged all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as the outskirts of Abuja. It noted that violent crime, including armed robbery and kidnapping, has spread from outer suburbs into wealthier parts of the capital, prompting British government staff to limit travel within the Abuja metropolitan area.

The FCDO also warned of occasional protests in Abuja that can turn violent, advising travellers to monitor local news, avoid demonstrations, and follow police instructions. In the North-East, it reported that ongoing military operations in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe pose risks of retaliatory attacks, cautioning that worsening security in Maiduguri could make evacuation difficult.

In the South-South and South-East, the UK warned against travel to riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, citing militant activity and frequent attacks on oil and gas installations. It also highlighted the risk of armed robbery, kidnapping, and clashes involving secessionist groups in the South-East, noting that while foreign nationals are not typically targeted, they could be caught in crossfire.

The advisory described Lagos and other parts of the South-West as vulnerable to violent crimes such as mugging, carjacking, and armed robbery, particularly at night. Although major terrorist attacks in the region are rare, the FCDO referenced two incidents claimed by Islamic State West Africa in 2022.

The UK government urged all travellers in Nigeria to remain vigilant, follow local security advice, and keep emergency plans current.