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UK warns citizens to exercise “extreme caution” in Nigeria due to kidnappings, terrorism, and violent crime.
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Six northern states are considered high-risk for Boko Haram/ISWAP activity, with other areas limited to essential travel only.
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Riverine and South-East regions face militant attacks; South-West cities like Lagos see rising armed robberies and kidnappings.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a fresh travel advisory warning British nationals against traveling to large parts of Nigeria due to escalating insecurity, kidnappings, terrorism, and violent crime.
In its latest guidance, the FCDO stated: “Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.” Citizens are urged to review safety measures, maintain contingency plans, and exercise extreme caution.
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The advisory highlights six northern states — Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara — as highly dangerous due to threats from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP), particularly around transport hubs, religious sites, and large gatherings. Humanitarian workers are also considered at risk.
Additionally, the UK government recommends restricting travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, and the outer suburbs of Abuja, citing violent crimes involving firearms and the spread of insecurity to wealthier central areas. The advisory warns of occasional protests in the capital that could escalate into flashpoints.
The North-East remains unstable despite military operations, with risks of retaliatory attacks in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe, and potential difficulties leaving Maiduguri if the situation worsens.
In the Niger Delta, including Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River, persistent militant activity and attacks on oil and gas infrastructure elevate risks of armed robbery and kidnapping.
The South-East sees frequent clashes between secessionist groups and security forces, while the South-West, including Lagos, reports common incidents of armed robbery, car-jacking, mugging, and kidnapping. Travelers are advised to avoid night travel, particularly on the Lagos mainland.
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The FCDO stressed that although large-scale terrorist attacks are rare in the South-West, the region has experienced isolated incidents claimed by ISWAP in recent years.
