Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a new advisory warning against travel to parts of Nigeria, citing worsening insecurity, terrorism, violent crime and kidnappings across multiple regions.
In its latest Foreign Travel Advice published on Sunday, the FCDO said insecurity was increasing nationwide, adding that kidnapping, violent crime and intercommunal violence were reported in all regions.
The advisory urged British nationals in Nigeria to remain vigilant, review personal security plans and ensure they have contingency arrangements in place.
The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara states, citing a “high and increasing threat” from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), especially near transport hubs, religious sites and large gatherings.
“Humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals,” the statement said.
The UK government also advised against 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, the federal capital.
“Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city,” the advisory said, adding that British officials in Nigeria had been told to limit their travel to the Abuja metropolitan area.
The FCDO also noted that protests in Abuja “can turn violent” and urged citizens to monitor local media, avoid demonstrations and follow guidance from police and security agencies.
The North-East remains a major security concern, with the FCDO warning that “regular military operations are ongoing in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states,” and that retaliatory attacks remain possible. It cautioned that if security deteriorates further in Maiduguri, “it could be extremely difficult for you to leave the city.”
The UK also advised against all travel to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the South-South, where militant groups have attacked oil and gas installations. The advisory cited a high risk of armed robbery, kidnapping and other criminal activity in the region.
In the South-East, the FCDO raised concerns about secessionist groups, noting that attacks and clashes with security forces occur frequently. While foreign nationals are not usually targeted, the advisory warned travellers could be caught in violence.
In the South-West, including Lagos, the government said violent crimes such as mugging, car-jacking and armed robbery were “common,” especially in major cities. It urged travellers to be cautious, avoid movement at night and take local security advice.
Although large-scale terrorist attacks are rare in the region, Islamic State West Africa claimed two incidents in 2022, none involving foreign nationals, the statement added.
“Be alert and take any security advice given by your hotel, employer or your hosts,” the FCDO said. “Ensure your safety procedures and contingency plans are up to date.”