The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a fresh warning against travel to parts of Nigeria, citing worsening insecurity, terrorism, violent crime, and kidnappings across multiple regions.
In its updated Foreign Travel Advice published on GOV.UK and reviewed on Sunday, the FCDO stated that insecurity continues to rise across Nigeria, with incidents of kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal clashes spreading throughout the country.
The advisory urges British nationals to exercise extreme caution, stay alert, and ensure they have contingency plans in place in case of emergencies.
The FCDO specifically advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, describing these areas as having a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa.”
The statement warned that terrorists may target transport hubs, religious areas, and large gatherings, adding that “humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can also be targeted by criminals and insurgent groups.”
Furthermore, the UK government advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as to the outer suburbs of Abuja. It warned that violent crime, including armed robbery and carjacking, has spread from the outskirts to more central, affluent parts of the capital.
The advisory also revealed that British Government staff in Nigeria have been instructed to limit their movements to areas within the Abuja metropolitan zone. “Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased,” it noted, emphasizing that British nationals should monitor local media and avoid demonstrations or large gatherings.
Protests in Abuja were highlighted as potential flashpoints, with the FCDO warning that peaceful rallies can quickly escalate into violent confrontations. The office urged travellers to follow the instructions of local authorities and security forces at all times.
The North-East remains the most volatile region, the advisory added, as regular military operations continue in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states. The FCDO cautioned that retaliatory attacks are possible and warned residents in Maiduguri that if security deteriorates further, evacuation from the city may become extremely difficult.
In the South-East and South-South regions, the advisory warned against all travel to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states. It cited the presence of militant groups who have conducted attacks on oil and gas facilities, as well as incidents of armed robbery and kidnapping in the Niger Delta.
The FCDO also expressed concern about secessionist movements active in the South-East, where violent clashes between armed groups and security forces are frequent. While foreign nationals are not typically targeted, the advisory cautioned that travellers could be caught in crossfire or roadside attacks.
The updated guidance underscores growing international concern about Nigeria’s security landscape, which has seen a surge in terrorist activity, communal violence, and criminal abductions in recent months.
