The Federal Government has assured Nigerians and foreign nationals of its commitment to improving security across the country, following a fresh travel advisory issued by the United Kingdom.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) had warned its citizens against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara states due to rising cases of terrorism, violence and kidnappings.
The advisory also urged British nationals to avoid all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba and parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Reacting to the advisory, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government was aware of the security challenges and was taking steps to address them.
“The government is keenly aware of the situation in some parts of the country and is making serious efforts to ensure that all areas are safe for citizens and foreigners alike,” Idris said.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu had restructured the leadership of security agencies and increased investments in military hardware and intelligence gathering.
“Our security challenges will soon be a thing of the past. We are improving security in our cities and communities, and foreign nationals are guaranteed their safety as more effective measures are being implemented,” he added.
Meanwhile, some state governments have rejected aspects of the UK advisory.
In a statement on Sunday, the Gombe State Government described the inclusion of the state among unsafe areas as “unfounded and unfair.”
The Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House Gombe, Mr. Ismaila Misilli, said the state remained one of the most peaceful and stable in the country.
“Gombe has not recorded any insurgency, communal conflict or banditry in recent years,” Misilli said.
He questioned the basis of the UK’s assessment, insisting that credible security agencies and organisations had consistently rated Gombe among the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
He urged the public and international community to disregard the advisory, stressing that Gombe remained safe and open for investment.
Similarly, the Kano State Government said the advisory was “routine” and not a cause for public concern.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Mustapha Muhammad, said the government was taking proactive measures to address local security challenges.
“In affected areas, our security agencies are working tirelessly to contain threats, particularly in border communities where bandits attempt to cross from Katsina State,” he said.
He added that the state had deployed additional security personnel and intelligence operatives to ensure the safety of residents.
In Borno, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor, Gen. Abdullahi Ishaq (rtd.), said the state had recorded significant improvements in its security situation.
“Maiduguri is now safer than Abuja in terms of security. Many insurgents have continued to surrender through the influence of their parents and community leaders,” he said.
According to him, the improved security situation had also reflected in the state’s agricultural productivity this year.
The UK advisory had warned that “regular military operations are ongoing in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states,” and cautioned that “retaliatory attacks remain a risk.”
It also warned against travel to riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states due to militancy and kidnapping incidents.
In the South-East, the FCDO cited the activities of secessionist groups and frequent clashes with security forces, while in the South-West, it warned of crimes such as mugging, carjacking and kidnapping in major cities like Lagos.
The UK urged travellers in Nigeria to remain alert and adhere to security advice from hotels and local authorities.
The Federal Government, however, reiterated its appeal for international understanding, stressing that ongoing reforms and security measures would soon yield results.
