The United Kingdom has issued a renewed travel warning for its citizens in Nigeria, citing worsening insecurity, rising violent crime, terrorism, and widespread kidnappings across multiple regions of the country.
In the latest Foreign Travel Advice published on the UK government’s official website, GOV.UK, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) said insecurity in Nigeria “is increasing,” noting that “kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions.”
The FCDO advised British nationals to exercise extreme caution, regularly review personal safety procedures, and have contingency plans ready in the event of emergencies.
According to the advisory, the UK government has advised against all travel to six northern states including Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara, due to the “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas, and large gatherings.”
It warned that humanitarian personnel, vehicles, and supplies could be targeted by terrorist or criminal groups in these regions.
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, Nigeria’s capital.
“Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city,” the statement added.
British government staff in Nigeria have reportedly been told to limit their movement to the Abuja metropolitan area.
The FCDO further warned that protests in Abuja could quickly turn violent, urging travellers to avoid large gatherings and follow local security instructions.
“There are protests in Abuja from time to time, which can turn violent. Monitor local media, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and follow instructions from local police and security forces,” it said.
In the North-East, where Nigerian forces continue to battle Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, the advisory highlighted ongoing military operations in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States, warning that the situation could deteriorate further.
Those in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, were specifically cautioned that “if security were to deteriorate any further, it could be extremely difficult for you to leave the city.”
The UK government also advised against all travel to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States due to continued militant activity.
“Militant groups are active across the Niger Delta region and have carried out many attacks on oil and gas infrastructure,” it said, noting a high risk of armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
In the South-East, the advisory warned of “secessionist groups active in the region,” adding that “attacks and violent clashes often occur with the military and other security forces.”
While foreign nationals are not typically targeted, the FCDO cautioned that travellers could “be caught in an attack.”
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The South-West, including Lagos, was not exempt as the advisory described crimes such as mugging, car-jacking, armed robbery, and kidnapping as “common, particularly in the larger cities.”
Although large-scale terrorist attacks are rare, it recalled that “Islamic State West Africa claimed two attacks in 2022,” though none targeted foreigners.
Travellers were urged to be cautious when moving within Lagos, especially on the mainland and to avoid travel after dark.
The FCDO urged anyone currently in high-risk areas to “be alert and take any security advice given by your hotel, employer, or hosts,” and to ensure their “safety procedures and contingency plans are up to date.”
