By: Visblog News
UK Government Raises Alarm Over Rising Insecurity in Nigeria — Flags 20 States as “High-Risk” for Travel
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a new travel advisory warning its citizens about the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, identifying 20 states as high-risk zones for travel.
According to the advisory, published on GOV.UK and obtained by SaharaReporters, the British government cited rising cases of kidnapping, violent crime, terrorism, and intercommunal clashes across the country.
The statement urged British nationals in Nigeria to exercise “extreme caution,” review their personal security plans, and maintain strong contingency measures.
States Placed Under Full Travel Ban
The UK advised against all travel to six northern states — Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara — citing growing threats from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP). The advisory noted that attacks are more likely around transport hubs, religious sites, and crowded gatherings.
Humanitarian workers were also warned to remain alert, as aid personnel have been targeted in previous attacks.
States Under Restricted (Essential Only) Travel
The advisory recommends avoiding all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja, due to rising incidents of violent crime and abductions.
In the North-East, ongoing military operations against insurgents in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states continue to pose major risks. The FCDO warned that retaliatory attacks could make movement within cities such as Maiduguri extremely dangerous.
Rising Tension in South-South and South-East
The UK also discouraged travel to Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, where militant attacks on oil and gas facilities and frequent kidnappings remain major concerns.
In the South-East, the situation remains tense amid clashes between secessionist groups and Nigerian security forces, creating unpredictable and potentially dangerous conditions for foreigners.
Southwest Not Spared
Even in the South-West, including Lagos, the FCDO noted a surge in armed robbery, car-jacking, and kidnapping, particularly during nighttime. While large-scale terrorist attacks are rare in the region, the UK warned that ISWAP has previously claimed attacks in 2022.
The updated advisory underscores the UK’s growing concern about Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, calling on its citizens to remain alert and follow official updates.