The United Kingdom has issued a fresh travel advisory warning its citizens against travelling to several parts of Nigeria, citing worsening insecurity, terrorism, violent crime, and inter-communal clashes across multiple regions.
In an update published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the UK government advised against all travel to six states — Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara — describing them as “high-risk zones” where extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remain active.
“These areas face a high and increasing threat of terrorist attacks, particularly around transport hubs, markets, places of worship, and large gatherings,” the advisory stated. It also warned that humanitarian workers and infrastructure in these regions may be targeted.
The FCDO further advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba States, as well as certain outskirts of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. The advisory highlighted a rise in violent crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and car-jacking — even within parts of central Abuja.
“Violent crime is increasing, including in central and affluent areas of Abuja. British officials are restricted to essential movements within the city,” the statement added.
Security Risks in South and Coastal Areas
In southern Nigeria, the UK flagged the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States as dangerous due to militant activity, piracy, and frequent kidnappings-for-ransom.
The advisory also cited ongoing clashes between secessionist groups and the security forces in the South-East, warning that foreign nationals could be inadvertently caught in crossfire.
While Lagos and other South-West states were not included in the high-risk list, the UK noted that armed robbery, car-jacking, and kidnapping remain common, urging travellers to exercise heightened vigilance, particularly at night.
Protests and Civil Unrest
The UK government cautioned that protests and political gatherings in Abuja and other cities could quickly turn violent. British nationals were advised to avoid demonstrations, adhere to police instructions, and monitor local news for security updates.
The FCDO also warned that evacuation could become difficult if the security situation worsens, urging citizens already in Nigeria to maintain emergency plans and remain in close contact with the British High Commission.
Reactions and Implications
The advisory comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges — from Islamist insurgencies in the north to banditry, kidnappings, and communal violence in central regions.
Although the UK recently downgraded Kaduna State from a “no travel” to an “essential travel only” status, the broader warning reflects what analysts describe as a persistent and evolving threat landscape.
Security analyst Kabiru Adamu was quoted by Premium Times that the advisory underscores “the reality that Nigeria’s security crisis has become multifaceted,” involving terrorism, organised crime, and socio-political unrest. “It’s a wake-up call not just for the government but also for investors and foreign partners,” he said.
Impact on Nigeria’s Image and Economy
Travel advisories from major foreign governments often carry diplomatic and economic implications. Experts warn that such warnings could dampen investor confidence and affect tourism and international business travel.
However, some Nigerian officials have described foreign advisories as “overly cautious”, insisting that many parts of the country remain safe for travel. In recent months, the federal government has increased security deployments in key urban centres and along major highways.
Despite these assurances, foreign missions — including those of the United States, Canada, and Australia — have also issued similar alerts in recent months, pointing to continued instability in parts of the country.
