The United Kingdom has advised its citizens to “avoid travel to several parts of Nigeria,” citing concerns over “terrorism, violent crime, kidnappings, and intercommunal clashes.”
In the latest Foreign Travel Advice released on GOV.UK and sighted on Sunday, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated that insecurity “is increasing across Nigeria,” adding that “kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.”
The advisory urged British nationals to “exercise extreme caution, review safety procedures, and ensure they have contingency plans in place.”
Specific Travel Warnings:
- North-East (All Travel Advised Against): Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states were placed under the strictest warning, citing a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings.” The UK warned that “humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.” Citizens in Maiduguri were cautioned that “if security were to deteriorate any further, it could be extremely difficult for you to leave the city.”
- North-Central/North-West (Essential Travel Only): All but essential travel was advised against for Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states.
- Abuja (Restricted Access): The FCDO advised against all but essential travel to the outer suburbs of Abuja, noting that “Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city.” British Government staff were advised to “restrict travel to an area broadly within the Abuja metropolitan area.” Protests in the city were also highlighted as potential flashpoints that “can turn violent.”
- South-South/Niger Delta (All Travel Advised Against): All travel was warned against in “the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states,” due to “Militant groups… active across the Niger Delta region and have carried out many attacks on oil and gas infrastructure.”
- South-East (High Risk): Expressing worry over “secessionist groups active in the south-east,” the advisory warned that “attacks and violent clashes often occur with the military and other security forces,” and while “foreign nationals are not normally targeted, there is a risk you could be caught in an attack.”
- South-West (including Lagos): The government described violent crimes such as “mugging, kidnapping, car-jacking and armed robbery” as “common, particularly in the larger cities.”
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