The United Kingdom has issued a new travel advisory, warning its citizens to avoid large parts of Nigeria due to worsening insecurity, terrorism, and violent crime.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) released the update on GOV.UK, urging British nationals in Nigeria to exercise “extreme caution”, review safety measures, and maintain contingency plans.
According to the advisory, insecurity is now widespread across all regions, with incidents of kidnapping, intercommunal clashes, and violent crime rising sharply.
“Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria,” the FCDO said.
The UK government advised against all travel to six northern states Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara citing a high and growing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa.
The warning also covered transport hubs, religious sites, and large gatherings, where terrorist attacks are most likely to occur. The FCDO added that humanitarian workers and facilities could be direct targets of extremists.
“Humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals,” the statement added.
The UK further warned against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, along with the outer suburbs of Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It noted that violent crime, including armed robbery and kidnapping, has spread from Abuja’s outskirts into wealthier central areas. As a result, British staff in Nigeria have been ordered to restrict movements to central Abuja.
The advisory also flagged occasional protests and unrest in the capital, urging British nationals to stay informed, avoid demonstrations, and comply with security directives.
In the North-East, the FCDO described the region as unstable despite ongoing military operations. It warned that retaliatory attacks could occur and noted that deteriorating conditions in Maiduguri might make evacuation “extremely difficult.”
The warning extended to riverine areas of the Niger Delta, including Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states. The UK cited the presence of militant groups, frequent kidnappings, and attacks on oil and gas facilities as reasons for concern.
“Militant groups are active across the Niger Delta region and have carried out many attacks on oil and gas infrastructure,” it said.
In the South-East, the UK highlighted the activities of secessionist groups and frequent clashes with security forces, noting that while foreigners are rarely targeted, they risk being caught in crossfire.
The South-West, including Lagos, was also listed as an area of concern. The advisory said armed robbery, carjacking, mugging, and kidnapping are common, especially on the mainland and at night.
Although large-scale terrorist attacks remain rare in the region, the FCDO recalled that Islamic State West Africa had claimed two attacks in 2022.