By Seyi Odewale
The United Kingdom has issued a fresh travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting several parts of Nigeria due to heightened insecurity, terrorism threats, violent crime, and inter-communal clashes.
In the latest update released by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Britons were advised to exercise extreme caution, strengthen personal safety measures, and have contingency plans in place while in the country.
According to the advisory, the UK government strongly warned against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, citing a “high and increasing threat” from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The FCDO said attacks could occur around transport hubs, places of worship, and large public gatherings, while humanitarian workers and critical infrastructure remained key targets.
It further discouraged all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as certain outskirts of Abuja, due to the rising trend of armed violence, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The UK government also raised concerns over the spread of violent crime, including armed robbery and kidnapping, into central and affluent parts of the Federal Capital Territory. It added that movement by British officials was now restricted to within Abuja’s metropolitan area.
The advisory cautioned that protests in the capital could escalate into violence, urging British citizens to stay away from demonstrations, obey local security advisories, and monitor developments through local media.
In the South-South and South-East regions, the FCDO warned against travel to the riverine and coastal parts of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, citing militant activity, sea piracy, and kidnapping risks.
It also flagged persistent clashes between secessionist groups and security forces in the South-East, which could endanger foreigners.
For the South-West, including Lagos, the advisory noted recurring incidents of mugging, carjacking, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
While major terrorist incidents are relatively uncommon, travellers were urged to remain vigilant, especially after dark, and seek guidance from local authorities, hotels, or employers.
The UK government concluded by warning that deteriorating security conditions, particularly in the North-East, could complicate evacuation efforts.
It therefore advised British nationals residing or travelling in Nigeria to maintain “constant vigilance” and take proactive steps to safeguard their personal security.
