UK Government Lists High-Risk States in Nigeria, Warns Against Traveling to Those Places
- Rising insecurity across Nigeria has prompted the UK Government to issue updated travel advice, warning of widespread risks including kidnapping and violent crime
- The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises against travel to several states, with heightened alerts in the north-east, north-west, and Niger Delta regions
- Amid the UK Government's guidance, travellers coming into Nigeria are urged to exercise extreme caution, monitor local developments, and follow safety guidance closely
The UK government has issued updated travel guidance for Nigeria, warning of increasing insecurity across the country.
The advisory highlights widespread risks, including kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence, with specific warnings for several regions.
Source: Getty Images
UK warns against Nigeria's 'rising insecurity'
The UK issued the updated information for certain regions, as follows:
North East Nigeria
The FCDO has advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Gombe states, citing a high and growing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa.
Bauchi State has been marked for essential travel only. The advisory noted that transport hubs, religious sites, and large gatherings are particularly vulnerable to attacks.
Humanitarian workers and infrastructure have reportedly been targeted, and the dry season has heightened risks due to improved road access.
Regular military operations in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe have raised concerns about possible retaliatory violence, with travellers in Maiduguri warned that deteriorating security could make it extremely difficult to leave the city.
North West Nigeria
Katsina and Zamfara states have been flagged as no-go zones, while Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, and Sokoto are listed for essential travel only.
The FCDO reported frequent banditry and violent attacks, with a high threat of kidnapping. Intercommunal violence and attacks on trains have also been noted.
Travellers defying the advice were urged to exercise extreme caution and stay informed through local media.
North Central Nigeria and Abuja
The FCDO has advised against all but essential travel to Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states due to criminal and militant activity.
Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, has seen a rise in violent crime, including incidents involving firearms, reportedly spreading from the outer suburbs to central, wealthier areas.
British Government staff have been instructed to restrict movement to the metropolitan area of Abuja.
Protests in the city have occasionally turned violent, prompting warnings to avoid demonstrations and follow police instructions.
South East and South South Nigeria
Travel to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states has been strongly discouraged.
The non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers, along with Abia, Anambra, and Imo states, are listed for essential travel only.
Militant groups in the Niger Delta have reportedly attacked oil and gas infrastructure, with armed robbery and kidnapping posing serious risks, with curfews imposed in some states following targeted killings and attacks on police infrastructure.
In the south-east, secessionist groups have clashed with security forces. While foreign nationals are not typically targeted, the FCDO warned that travellers could be caught in violent incidents. Imo State has seen a rise in the use of improvised explosive devices, though the number of incidents remains low.
South West Nigeria and Lagos
Violent crimes such as mugging, carjacking, and armed robbery are common in major cities, particularly Lagos.
The FCDO noted that while large-scale terrorist attacks are rare, Islamic State West Africa claimed two incidents in 2022.
Travellers were advised to be cautious, especially on the Lagos mainland, where crime rates are high and security can be unpredictable. Night-time movement on foot was discouraged due to elevated risks.
The advisory concluded with a reminder:
“Be alert and take any security advice given by your hotel, employer or your hosts.”
Source: Original
12 states where governors may face sanctions
Legit.ng earlier reported that 12 governors from northern Nigeria may face severe sanctions after a renewed push by the United States Congress to hold Nigerian officials accountable for the alleged religious persecution.
The move comes after President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and called for swift action from the government over the alleged Christian genocide.
On October 31, Trump expressed alarm over the reported killings of Christians in Nigeria, calling on Congressman Riley Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate and report back.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
