The United Kingdom has released a new travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting several parts of Nigeria due to rising insecurity, terrorism, and kidnappings.
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), in its latest update published on GOV.UK and seen on Sunday, said insecurity was increasing across the country, with violent crimes and abductions reported in all regions.
“Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria,” the advisory stated.
The UK government advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, warning of a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa,” especially near transport hubs, religious places, and large gatherings.
It added that “humanitarian workers, vehicles, and supplies could be targeted by terrorists and criminals.”
The FCDO also 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.
The agency said violent crime involving firearms had spread from the suburbs to more central areas of the capital.
“British Government staff in Nigeria have been advised to restrict travel to an area broadly within the Abuja metropolitan area,” it noted.
The advisory also mentioned that protests in Abuja could turn violent and urged travellers to monitor local news, avoid demonstrations, and follow police instructions.
In the North-East, the UK warned that military operations were ongoing in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states, where there was still a risk of retaliatory attacks.
It added that if security worsened in Maiduguri, “it could be extremely difficult to leave the city.”
The warning extended to riverine areas in the South-South, including Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, over threats of militancy, oil theft, and kidnappings.
“Militant groups are active across the Niger Delta region and have carried out many attacks on oil and gas infrastructure,” the statement said.
The FCDO further cautioned that the South-East faced frequent violent clashes between security forces and separatist groups, noting that foreign nationals could be caught in crossfire even if not directly targeted.
In the South-West, including Lagos, the government said crimes such as mugging, kidnapping, carjacking, and armed robbery were common, especially in major cities.
Travellers were urged to be cautious in Lagos, particularly on the mainland, and to avoid moving around at night.
The advisory concluded by encouraging British nationals to stay alert, follow local security advice, and keep emergency plans up to date.
