UK flags 21 states as high risk areas, asks citizens to avoid all but essential travel there

The United Kingdom has flagged some states in as high-risk areas and warned Britons to exercise restraint in going to the areas.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued the updated travel advisory, warning its citizens of escalating insecurity across Nigeria.
The advisory, published on GOV.UK, highlighted rising incidents of kidnapping, violent crime, terrorism and intercommunal clashes nationwide.

British nationals in Nigeria were urged to exercise “extreme caution,” review their safety measures and maintain contingency plans.

The FCDO advised against travels to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara due to the growing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious sites and public gatherings.

Humanitarian workers were also warned of the risk of being potential targets. The advisory recommends avoiding 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, citing a rise in violent crimes.

In the North-East, ongoing military operations in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe pose additional risks, with possible retaliatory attacks making movement in cities like Maiduguri extremely dangerous.

Travel to the Niger Delta states of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River is discouraged due to militant attacks on oil and gas infrastructure and frequent kidnappings. The South-East also remains volatile, with clashes between secessionist groups and security forces creating potential dangers for foreigners.

In the South-West, violent crimes such as armed robbery, car-jacking, and kidnappings are increasingly common, especially in major cities like Lagos during night time.