UK warns against travel to several Nigerian states

The United Kingdom has cautioned its citizens against trips to multiple states in Nigeria, citing insecurity, kidnapping, violent crime, and inter-ethnic violence.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office updated its travel advice for the West African nation on Thursday, urging those who must visit or are present to be vigilant.

For North East Nigeria, the FCDO warns against all travel to Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State, and Gombe State, and only essential travel to Bauchi State.

The government adduced “a high and increasing threat” from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs and religious areas.

The advisory mentioned large gatherings, humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure as other possible targets of terrorists and criminals.

For North West Nigeria, the UK warns against all travel to Katsina State, Zamfara State, and only essential travel to Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto States.

“Banditry and violent attacks are frequent and there is a high threat of kidnap,” the FCDO noted. “Incidents of intercommunal violence occur and trains are vulnerable to attack.”

For North Central Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue States.

It observed “criminal and militant activity and incidents of intercommunal violence,” adding that the outer suburbs of Abuja are prone to violence, while safety is unpredictable.

For South East and South South Nigeria, the office cautions against all travel to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

FCDO further advised against all but essential travel to Abia State, Anambra State, and Imo State, and non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States.

It said Niger Delta-based militant groups have been linked to attacks on oil and gas facilities, in addition to a high risk of armed robbery, criminality, and kidnapping in the region.

For South West Nigeria and Lagos, the office highlighted crimes such as mugging, kidnapping, carjacking and armed robbery, specifically in the larger cities.

The UK urged caution during transit in Lagos, especially on the mainland, “which attracts high levels of crime and where security levels can be unpredictable.”

The alert emphasised that street crime is a significant risk across Lagos, while intercommunal violence is common (in the Southwest) and can flare up suddenly.