UK Warns Citizens Against Traveling to Nigeria, Cites Potential for Renewed Hunger Protests

The United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid traveling to several parts of Nigeria, warning that fresh protests may erupt with little warning.

“Political rallies, protests, and violent demonstrations can take place with little notice. Get advice on areas to avoid,” the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said in the advisory issued Tuesday.

The advisory cautions against all but essential travel to major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Borno, Kano, and Imo due to the risk of protests resuming. Earlier this month, widespread demonstrations from August 1 to 7 in cities like Abuja and Lagos led to disruptions, reports of violence, and the use of tear gas by security forces.

“Protests have now largely receded but may reoccur with little notice. Exercise caution when travelling, consider avoiding travel after dark, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and monitor local media reporting, as well as UK Travel Advice,” the FCDO stated.

The FCDO also reiterates previous warnings against travel to most northern states including Borno, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi due to terrorism. Similar warnings apply to Abia State and the non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, as well as Anambra and Imo states due to insecurity.

“Incidents of inter-communal violence occur frequently and often without warning throughout Nigeria. Although foreign nationals are not normally targeted, there is a risk you could be caught in an attack. Monitor local government announcements and media reporting,” the advisory added.

This advisory comes days after several countries, including Nigeria, issued warnings about traveling to the UK amid violent far-right protests. These protests, targeting mostly black and brown immigrants, erupted after a 17-year-old second-generation immigrant, Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, who is of Rwandese descent, was involved in a fatal stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.

The aftermath saw violent mobs attacking Southport mosques, hotels housing asylum seekers, and properties suspected to belong to immigrants, calling for the deportation of immigrants