The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO, has warned its citizens against traveling to six states in Nigeria over what it described as escalating insecurity, violent crime, terrorism, and kidnappings across multiple regions.
In the latest edition of its Foreign Travel Advice published on the website of the GOV.UK on Sunday, the FCDO stated that with the increasing insecurity across Nigeria, coupled with kidnappings, violent crimes, and intercommunal violence throughout all regions of Nigeria, its citizens should be mindful where they travel to.
The advisory which listed Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara States, urged British nationals to exercise extreme caution, review safety procedures, and ensure they have contingency plans in place.
“The FCDO has advised against all travels to the above listed states due to high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings,” it said, adding that humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.
The UK government 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.
“Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city,” the advisory said.
“British Government staff in Nigeria have been advised to restrict travel to an area broadly within the Abuja metropolitan area.”
It also noted that Abuja had become a hotspot for protests and as such, its citizens should be cautious when traveling to certain areas in the FCT.
“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,” it added.
“Also avoid the North-East region, where regular military operations are ongoing in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states and remains a risk of retaliatory attacks. If security were to deteriorate any further, it could be extremely difficult for you to leave.
“Do be cautious when traveling in the South-East and South-South regions, especially the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. Militant groups are active across the Niger Delta region and have carried out many attacks on oil and gas infrastructures and there’s a high risk of armed robbery, criminality and kidnap in the region.
“In the South-East, secessionist groups active with regular attacks and violent clashes which often occur with the military and other security forces. British citizens and travellers should be cautious 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 are common, particularly in the larger cities.
Travellers were advised to be cautious when travelling in Lagos, particularly on the mainland, and to avoid moving around at night,” it added.
