UK warns citizens against travel to Nigeria over rising insecurity

The United Kingdom has issued a fresh travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting several parts of Nigeria over worsening insecurity, terrorism, and kidnapping threats across the country.

In the updated advisory published on GOV.UK and reviewed by Newstrends on Sunday, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said insecurity was on the rise in all regions of Nigeria, urging British nationals to remain alert and update their safety plans.

“Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions,” the advisory read.

High-Risk States Listed

The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara States, citing a growing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
It also discouraged non-essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba States, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja.

The UK government warned that “violent crime involving firearms has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas” of Abuja, adding that British officials in Nigeria have been advised to restrict movement to within the city’s main metropolitan area.

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Protests and Regional Threats

The advisory cautioned that protests in Abuja could turn violent, urging travellers to monitor local media, avoid demonstrations, and follow instructions from security agencies.

It painted a bleak picture of the North-East, where military operations against insurgents are ongoing in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States. Travellers in Maiduguri were warned that if security deteriorates further, “it could be extremely difficult to leave the city.”

In the South-East and South-South, the FCDO advised against travel to “riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States,” citing militant activity, attacks on oil infrastructure, and a high risk of armed robbery and kidnapping.

The advisory also flagged violence involving secessionist groups in the South-East, warning that although foreign nationals are not usually targeted, they could be caught in crossfire during clashes.

Caution in Lagos and South-West

While large-scale terror attacks remain rare, the FCDO noted that violent crimes such as mugging, car-jacking and kidnapping are “common, particularly in larger cities including Lagos.”
It recalled that Islamic State West Africa claimed responsibility for two attacks in 2022 and advised travellers to avoid night movements, especially on the mainland.

The advisory concluded by urging British citizens in Nigeria to stay alert, follow local security guidance, and ensure contingency plans are in place.

“Take advice from your hotel, employer or hosts, and make sure your safety procedures are up to date,” it stated.

Nigeria continues to battle multiple 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.

UK warns citizens against travel to Nigeria over rising insecurity