The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advisory, warning British nationals of increased security risks in several parts of Nigeria due to rising violent crime, terrorism, and kidnappings.
In its latest advisory published on GOV.UK, the FCDO highlighted that insecurity is on the rise nationwide, with kidnappings, violent attacks, and intercommunal clashes reported in multiple states.
British citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution, review personal safety measures, and maintain contingency plans.
The advisory specifically urges against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states due to a “high and escalating threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa,” particularly near transport hubs, religious sites, and crowded areas.
The FCDO warned that terrorists and criminal groups may also target humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure.
Also, the UK government recommends that travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory, be limited to essential trips only.
The advisory cited an increase in violent crimes, often involving firearms, which have spread from suburban areas into central, affluent parts of the capital.
The FCDO also noted that protests in Abuja can occasionally turn violent, advising travelers to monitor local media, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and follow instructions from security forces.
British government staff in Nigeria have been instructed to restrict their movements within the broader Abuja metropolitan area for safety.
