The United Kingdom has issued a new travel advisory warning its citizens to avoid several parts of Nigeria due to escalating threats of terrorism, violent crime, kidnappings, and intercommunal clashes.
The warning, contained in the latest Foreign Travel Advice published on GOV.UK and sighted on Sunday, was released by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
According to the FCDO, insecurity is worsening across Nigeria, noting that “kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of the country.”
The advisory urged British nationals in Nigeria to exercise extreme caution, review their personal security arrangements, and have contingency plans in place.
The FCDO advised against all travel to the following states: Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara, citing a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), particularly around transport hubs, religious centres, and large gatherings.”
The advisory also warned that humanitarian workers, vehicles, and infrastructure could be targeted by terrorists and criminal groups operating in these areas.
The UK 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 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 advisory said.
British government staff in Nigeria have reportedly been restricted to travel within central Abuja, while the FCDO also warned of protests in the capital that “can turn violent without warning.”
“Monitor local media, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and follow instructions from local police and security forces,” it added.
The advisory painted a particularly grim picture of the North-East, where military operations remain ongoing in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, warning that retaliatory attacks are still possible.
British nationals in Maiduguri were cautioned that if the security situation deteriorates further, evacuation could become extremely difficult.
In the South-East and South-South, the FCDO advised against all travel to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, warning that militant groups remain active across the Niger Delta and have previously attacked oil and gas infrastructure.
“There is a high risk of armed robbery, criminality, and kidnap in the region,” the UK government added.
The advisory also cited secessionist activity in the South-East, noting that attacks and clashes between separatist groups and security forces are frequent, and while foreigners are not typically targeted, they risk being caught in crossfire.
In the South-West, including Lagos, the UK described crimes such as mugging, kidnapping, carjacking, and armed robbery as common, particularly in major urban centres.
