The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has released a new travel warning for Nigeria, citing escalating insecurity, violent crime, terrorism, and kidnappings across multiple regions of the country.

In its latest Foreign Travel Advice, the FCDO stated, “Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.”

Consequently, the advisory urged British nationals to exercise extreme caution, review safety procedures, and ensure they have contingency plans in place.

The UK government specifically advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, noting a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings.”

The statement further warned that “humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.”

Beyond the North-East and North-West, the FCDO also advised against 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 within the Federal Capital Territory.

Regarding the capital, the advisory noted that “Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city.” It added that “British Government staff in Nigeria have been advised to restrict travel to an area broadly within the Abuja metropolitan area.”

Protests in the capital were also flagged, with the FCDO noting, “There are protests in Abuja from time to time, which can turn violent. Monitor local media, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and follow instructions from local police and security forces.”

The guidance on the North-East paints a particularly alarming picture where “regular military operations are ongoing in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states” and there remains “a risk of retaliatory attacks.” Residents in Maiduguri were cautioned that “if security were to deteriorate any further, it could be extremely difficult for you to leave the city.”

In the South-East and South-South regions, the FCDO warns against all travel to “the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.”

The department stated that “militant groups are active across the Niger Delta region and have carried out many attacks on oil and gas infrastructure,” adding that “there’s a high risk of armed robbery, criminality and kidnap” in the region.

The advisory also raised concern over “secessionist groups active in the south-east,” noting that “attacks and violent clashes often occur with the military and other security forces” and warning travellers that “although foreign nationals are not normally targeted, there is a risk you could be caught in an attack.”

In the South-West, including Lagos, violent crimes such as “mugging, kidnapping, car-jacking and armed robbery” were described as “common, particularly in the larger cities.” While large-scale terrorist attacks are rare, the FCDO noted that “Islamic State West Africa claimed two attacks in 2022,” though none targeted foreign nationals.

Concluding its guidance, the FCDO urged anyone currently in high-risk areas to “be alert and take any security advice given by your hotel, employer or your hosts,” and to “make sure your safety procedures and contingency plans are up to date.”

Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges over the past decade, driven by terrorism, banditry, separatist movements, and communal conflicts, with the Boko Haram insurgency, mass abductions by bandits, and separatist agitation all contributing to the prolonged instability that is currently impacting millions.