The UK government has updated its travel advisory for Nigeria, warning British nationals of rising insecurity across the country and designating several states as unsafe due to escalating violence, terrorism, and widespread kidnapping.
In the latest Foreign Travel Advice released by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and reviewed on Sunday, officials noted that “insecurity is increasing across Nigeria,” with violent crime and intercommunal clashes occurring nationwide.
British citizens were urged to remain extremely cautious and ensure their security plans are up to date.
The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara, citing a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa,” particularly around transport hubs, religious sites and crowded public areas.
Humanitarian workers and infrastructure, it warned, also remain prime targets for terrorist and criminal groups.
A further 11 states which are; Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau and Taraba were listed as areas where only essential travel is permitted.
The advisory extended this caution to the outer suburbs of Abuja, noting that armed crime has spread from the outskirts into the capital’s more affluent neighbourhoods.
British government staff have been instructed to limit their movements to the central Abuja metropolitan area.
Protests in Abuja were also flagged as potential security flashpoints, with officials warning that demonstrations can turn violent, and urging travellers to avoid large gatherings and follow guidance from security forces.
The northern regions remain the most volatile. The advisory highlighted ongoing military operations in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, warning residents in Maiduguri that a further deterioration of security could limit their ability to leave the city.
In the South-East and South-South, the UK advised against all travel to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, citing the presence of militant groups responsible for attacks on oil and gas facilities, kidnappings, and armed robberies. It also raised concerns over violent clashes between security forces and secessionist groups in the South-East.
Even the South-West was not spared, with the FCDO noting that Lagos and other major cities face persistent threats of mugging, kidnapping, car-jacking and armed robbery.
While major terrorist attacks remain rare in the region, authorities pointed to two incidents claimed by Islamic State West Africa in 2022.
The FCDO urged anyone currently in affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities, employers, or hosts. Travellers were also encouraged to review their contingency plans, particularly when moving around at night or through high-risk zones.
Nigeria continues to grapple with diverse and deep-rooted security challenges including Islamist insurgency, banditry, separatist violence and criminal militancy,despite ongoing military operations and government efforts to restore stability.
