₦airaland Forum

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has issued a fresh warning against travel to parts of Nigeria, citing escalating insecurity, violent crime, terrorism, and kidnappings across multiple regions.

In its latest Foreign Travel Advice published on GOV.UK and sighted by our correspondent on Sunday, the FCDO stated, “Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.”

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

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

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

In addition, the UK government 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.

The FCDO said, “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 Abuja were also noted as potential flashpoints.

“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[b].

[b]The advisory paints a particularly alarming picture of the North-East region, where “regular military operations are ongoing in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states” and there remains “a risk of retaliatory attacks.”

Those 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.”

It further cautioned 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, the government described violent crimes such as “mugging, kidnapping, car-jacking and armed robbery” as “common, particularly in the larger cities.”

While large-scale terrorist attacks are rare, “Islamic State West Africa claimed two attacks in 2022,” though none targeted foreign nationals.

Travellers were advised to “be cautious when travelling in Lagos, particularly on the mainland,” and to avoid moving around at night.

The FCDO concluded its guidance by urging 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 a combination of terrorism, banditry, separatist movements, and communal conflicts.

The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009 in the North-East, has evolved into a prolonged humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and destabilising the region.

Despite claims of territorial gains by the Nigerian military, splinter groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province continue to launch deadly attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and aid workers, particularly in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.

In the North-West and parts of the North-Central regions, bandit groups have grown increasingly carrying out mass abductions, extortion, and cattle rustling.

Meanwhile, the South-East has seen rising tensions linked to separatist agitation by groups calling for the restoration of Biafra, leading to frequent clashes with security forces, enforcement of sit-at-home orders, and targeted killings.

The Niger Delta and South-South regions, though calmer than in previous years, remain volatile due to criminality and militancy related to oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

simpleseyi:
Nigeria too has warned against travelling to all parts of U.K. because of everyday knives and swords attacks

Ikaeniyan0:
They should also add Abia to the list

MrColdsweat:
After picking holes in the statistics for genocide, you turn around and advice your citizens

Ikaeniyan0:
They should also add Abia to the list

Dalohad:
The Nigeria you created for gains.

The British are no longer a superpower. It is God's punishment for their atrocities. ..

Let them take a back seat and learn from President Trump.

Ikaeniyan0:
They should also add Abia to the list

TallNigerian:
They no even get better update. Akwa-Ibom is a thousand time safer than Kwara State which didn't even make their so-called list.

South West is relatively the safest region in Nigeria currently.

In the South-West, including Lagos, the government described violent crimes such as “mugging, kidnapping, car-jacking and armed robbery” as “common, particularly in the larger cities.”

While large-scale terrorist attacks are rare, “Islamic State West Africa claimed two attacks in 2022,” though none targeted foreign nationals.

Travellers were advised to “be cautious when travelling in Lagos, particularly on the mainland,” and to avoid moving around at night.

jmoore:
But many Nigerians are rushing to apply for UK Visa.

Kalashnikov49:
IN THE SE FIGHTING FOR BIAFRA:

he 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 SW THAT THEY CLAIM IS PEACEFUL AND COMFORTABLE WITH NIGERIA.

In the South-West, including Lagos, the government described violent crimes such as “mugging, kidnapping, car-jacking and armed robbery” as “common, particularly in the larger cities.

WizardofNG

Come and explain abeg.

Broveens42:
The British people are the smartest people on planet earth.

They go behind the scene to sponsor same black Africans to demonize self determination of their own, while recognizing what the movement actually represents.

But the chess game won't last forever because there's a powerful man in America who hates pretence.