The UK government has issued a new travel advisory warning British nationals against visiting several states in Nigeria due to a rise in violent crime, terrorism and kidnappings.
In its latest Foreign Travel Advice published on Sunday, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said insecurity has continued to worsen across the country, adding that kidnapping, intercommunal violence and armed attacks occur in all regions.
The UK advised 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, especially around public transport hubs, religious locations and large gatherings.
Humanitarian workers, supplies, vehicles and infrastructure were also highlighted as potential targets.
The advisory further warned against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau and Taraba States, including parts of Abuja. It noted that violent crime has been spreading from the outskirts of the capital into more central and wealthier areas.
Protests in Abuja were identified as additional risks, with the UK advising people to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations which could quickly turn violent.
The North-East remains described as highly volatile, with ongoing military operations raising the possibility of retaliatory attacks. The advisory specifically cautioned that residents in Maiduguri could face difficulty leaving if the security situation deteriorates further.
In the South-South and coastal South-East, the UK warned against travel to riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, citing continued militant activity, attacks on oil infrastructure and a high risk of armed robbery and kidnap.
Separatist agitation in the South-East was also mentioned, with the UK noting that clashes between security forces and armed groups remain frequent. While foreign nationals are not usually targeted, the advisory warned they could be caught in an attack.
In Lagos and other parts of the South-West, crimes such as mugging, robbery, car-jacking and kidnapping were described as common. Although major terror attacks are rare, the UK advised travellers to be cautious, particularly when moving around at night.
The FCDO urged anyone currently in higher-risk areas to follow local security advice and ensure contingency plans are up to date.
Nigeria has struggled with multiple security threats over the past decade, including Islamist insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, separatist tensions in the South-East and militancy linked to oil theft in the Niger Delta.
