The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a new advisory warning its citizens against travel to several parts of Nigeria, citing worsening insecurity, terrorism, violent crime, and kidnappings across multiple regions.
In its latest Foreign Travel Advice published on GOV.UK and obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday, the FCDO said insecurity is escalating nationwide, with kidnapping, armed robbery, and communal violence reported in nearly all regions. It specifically advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara States, pointing to “a high and increasing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa,” particularly near transport hubs, religious areas, and large gatherings.
The UK government also warned that humanitarian workers and infrastructure could be targeted by terrorist or criminal elements, and 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. It noted that violent crime involving firearms has spread from the outskirts to central areas of the capital, prompting British officials in Nigeria to limit travel strictly within the Abuja metropolis.
The advisory further cautioned that the South-East and South-South regions remain risky, with militant activity in the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States. It also warned of frequent clashes between secessionist groups and security forces in the South-East, noting that while foreigners are not usually targeted, they could be caught in attacks.
In the South-West, including Lagos, the FCDO highlighted the prevalence of violent crimes such as mugging, kidnapping, and armed robbery, urging British nationals to avoid night travel and remain vigilant. It also flagged sporadic protests in Abuja as potential flashpoints that could turn violent.
The advisory underscores Nigeria’s persistent security challenges spanning terrorism, banditry, separatist agitation, and militancy. Despite military efforts, insurgent groups like Islamic State West Africa Province continue to launch deadly attacks, while criminal gangs in the North-West and North-Central regions engage in mass abductions and extortion.
