ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has released a new alert advising against travel to certain parts of Nigeria due to rising insecurity, violent crime, terrorism and kidnappings in several areas.
In its most recent Foreign Travel Advice published on GOV.UK, the FCDO stated: “Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.”
The notice urged British citizens to exercise heightened caution, assess their safety measures, and ensure they have contingency plans ready.
The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara states, noting a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings.”
It also warned that “humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.”
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The UK also recommended avoiding all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau and Taraba states, as well as the outer outskirts of Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory.
The advisory further stated, “Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city.”
It also noted 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 identified as potential triggers for violence.
“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.
The briefing raises particular concern about the North-East, where “regular military operations are ongoing in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states” and there is “a risk of retaliatory attacks.”
Individuals in Maiduguri were warned 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, the FCDO instructed against travel to “the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.”
It stressed that “militant groups are active across the Niger Delta region and have carried out many attacks on oil and gas infrastructure.”
The advisory went further to warn that “there’s a high risk of armed robbery, criminality and kidnap” in the area.
It also highlighted concern over “secessionist groups active in the south-east,” explaining that “attacks and violent clashes often occur with the military and other security forces,” while pointing out 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, it described violent incidents such as “mugging, kidnapping, car-jacking and armed robbery” as “common, particularly in the larger cities.”
Although large-scale terror incidents are uncommon, “Islamic State West Africa claimed two attacks in 2022,” though none were aimed at foreign citizens.
Travellers were urged to “be cautious when travelling in Lagos, particularly on the mainland,” and to avoid going out at night.
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The FCDO concluded by advising anyone already in high-risk zones 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 continues to struggle with various security issues driven by terrorism, banditry, separatist movements, and communal violence.
The Boko Haram crisis, which started in 2009, has turned into a long-term humanitarian emergency, causing mass displacement and instability in the North-East region.
Even though the military has recorded territorial gains, breakaway groups like Islamic State West Africa Province still carry out lethal attacks on civilians, security personnel and aid workers, especially in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.
In the North-West and parts of the North-Central, criminal gangs continue to carry out large-scale abductions, extortion rackets and cattle rustling.
The South-East has experienced increasing tensions connected to separatist campaigns calling for Biafra reinstatement, resulting in frequent clashes with security forces, enforcement of sit-at-home orders and targeted killings.
The Niger Delta and wider South-South region, though calmer than in previous years, still faces volatility involving criminality tied to oil theft and pipeline sabotage.