𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐔𝐊 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐓𝐨 𝐒𝐢𝐱 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬

The United Kingdom has raised new concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security landscape, warning its citizens to avoid travel to several parts of the country following a surge in terrorism, kidnappings, and violent crimes.

In its latest Foreign Travel Advice published on GOV.UK, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) described Nigeria’s security situation as increasingly dangerous, citing terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and intercommunal clashes as key threats.

The FCDO urged British nationals to exercise extreme caution, review safety procedures, and ensure they have contingency plans in place.

According to the advisory, violent crime, kidnapping, and intercommunal clashes have become widespread. The FCDO noted that these threats now affect all regions of the country, including the capital, Abuja.

“Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria,” the advisory stated, warning that terrorism and violent incidents could occur anywhere, at any time.

Complete No-Go Areas for British Nationals

The UK government advised against all travel to the following states:

• Borno

• Yobe

• Adamawa

• Gombe

• Katsina

• Zamfara

The FCDO cited a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP)”, particularly around transport hubs, religious sites, and large public gatherings.

It also warned that humanitarian workers, vehicles, and facilities could be targeted by terrorist or criminal groups.

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 outer suburbs of Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city,” the FCDO noted.

British government officials have reportedly been restricted to the Abuja metropolitan area for safety reasons.

The advisory also flagged occasional protests in Abuja, warning that they could quickly turn violent. Citizens were urged to monitor local media, avoid demonstrations, and follow security instructions at all times.

The FCDO’s report highlights ongoing military operations in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States, noting that insurgents may carry out retaliatory attacks in response.

UK citizens in Maiduguri were strongly warned that, should security worsen, it might become extremely difficult to leave the city safely.

In the South-South and South-East, the advisory warns against all travel to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.

“Militant groups are active across the Niger Delta region and have carried out numerous attacks on oil and gas infrastructure,” it said.

The FCDO described the area as high-risk for armed robbery, kidnapping, and criminal activity.

It also expressed concern about secessionist groups in the South-East, where violent clashes between such groups and security forces are frequent. Though foreign nationals are not usually targeted, the advisory warned that travellers could be caught in crossfire.

Even the South-West, including Lagos, was not left out of the warning. The UK described crimes such as mugging, kidnapping, car-jacking, and armed robbery as common in major cities.

Travellers were advised to be alert, limit movement at night, and avoid isolated areas.