The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has warned its citizens to avoid travelling to 16 states of Nigeria.
In its latest Foreign Travel Advisory published on its official website on Sunday, the British government warned that kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence were on the rise across Nigeria.
“Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria,” the FCDO stated.
The states are Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara.
Other states are Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It stated the areas remain “a risk of retaliatory attacks,” warning that if security deteriorates in Maiduguri, it could be extremely difficult for visitors to leave the city.
“Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city,” the UK government noted, adding that British staff in Nigeria have been ordered to restrict movements to central Abuja.
The FCDO stated that there is a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa,” especially around transport hubs, religious sites, and large gatherings.
It also warned nationals against traveling to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, citing persistent militant activity, attacks on oil and gas installations, and frequent incidents of kidnapping in these locations.
“Militant groups are active across the Niger Delta region and have carried out many attacks on oil and gas facilities.There’s a high risk of armed robbery, criminality, and kidnap,” the advisory read.
It further highlighted worsening insecurity in the South-East, where secessionist groups have frequently clashed with security forces.
“Attacks and violent clashes often occur with the military and other security forces.
“Although foreign nationals are not normally targeted, there is a risk you could be caught in an attack,” the statement warned.
FCDO also warned that humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and other infrastructure could be targets of attacks by terrorists and criminals.
The FCDO also flagged the South-West, including Lagos, as an area of concern, stressing that violent crimes such as armed robbery, car-jacking, mugging, and kidnapping are common, especially in major cities.
According to the advisory, travellers should be cautious when travelling in Lagos, particularly on the mainland, and avoid movement at night.
