UK warns citizens against travel to 28 Nigerian states over terrorism, kidnap risk

The United Kingdom has significantly escalated its travel warnings for Nigeria, advising its citizens against all travel to 11 states and parts of the country. This stark warning cites escalating insecurity, widespread terrorism, and a high risk of kidnapping as the primary reasons for the advisory.

Furthermore, the UK government recommends against "all but essential travel" to an additional 17 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Citizens are urged to exercise particular caution in Lagos, especially on the mainland, which is noted for high crime rates and unpredictable security. The advisory highlights that violent crime, kidnapping, and intercommunal clashes are prevalent across all regions of Nigeria.

Recent concerns have been amplified by ongoing attacks in the Middle Belt and continued operations by extremist groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Northeast. The advisory specifically names potential targets, including places of worship, markets, malls, hotels, schools, and government buildings, urging extra caution during sensitive periods like elections and holidays.

The advisory details specific threats by region. In the Northeast, British nationals are warned to avoid Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Gombe states due to the high threat from Boko Haram and ISWAP, with risks of retaliatory attacks during military operations. The Northwest states of Katsina and Zamfara face frequent banditry and a high threat of kidnap. In the Niger Delta, militant groups remain active, posing risks to oil infrastructure and increasing the likelihood of armed robbery and kidnapping.

Even the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is flagged, with warnings about violence in outer suburbs spreading to more central areas. The advisory also notes that trains remain vulnerable to attack, underscoring the pervasive nature of the security challenges across the country.