UK warns citizens against traveling to 20 states in Nigeria
The United Kingdom has issued a fresh travel warning to its citizens in Nigeria, identifying 20 states as unsafe due to rising insecurity across the country.
In a new advisory released by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and obtained on Sunday, the British government raised concerns over increased incidents of terrorism, kidnapping, armed violence, and intercommunal clashes in several parts of Nigeria.
The FCDO warned British nationals to take extra precautions, strengthen their security measures, and make emergency plans in case of sudden unrest.
According to the advisory, the UK government warned against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara States because of threats from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The warning also mentioned that attacks could occur around transport areas, religious sites, and public gatherings.
The UK further discouraged all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba States, as well as the outskirts of Abuja.
It attributed this caution to increasing cases of violent crime and ongoing military operations in those areas.
In the Niger Delta, the advisory cautioned against visiting Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States because of militant activities targeting oil and gas facilities and the frequent kidnapping of residents and expatriates.
The South East was also described as tense due to clashes between secessionist groups and security agencies, while in the South West, the UK reported growing cases of armed robbery, carjacking, and abductions.
Although large-scale terrorist attacks are rare in the region, ISWAP was said to have claimed responsibility for attacks there in 2022.
The UK government urged its citizens in Nigeria to remain vigilant, avoid crowded areas, and strictly follow local security instructions to stay safe.
