UK issues fresh travel advisory on Nigeria

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a new travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting several parts of Nigeria, citing rising insecurity, kidnappings, violent crime, terrorism, and intercommunal clashes.

Released on Sunday, November 9, 2025, the advisory noted that “insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.” British nationals were urged to exercise extreme caution, review safety measures, and ensure contingency plans are in place before travelling.

The FCDO specifically advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, highlighting a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings.” The advisory further warned that “humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.”

The advisory 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 suburbs of Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory. The FCDO highlighted that violent crime, often involving firearms, has spread from Abuja’s outskirts to central, wealthier areas.

“British Government staff in Nigeria have been advised to restrict travel to an area broadly within the Abuja metropolitan area,” the advisory said, adding that protests in the city can occasionally turn violent. Travellers were advised to monitor local media, avoid demonstrations, and follow instructions from local police and security forces.

The North-East region remains particularly volatile, with “regular military operations ongoing in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states” and a continued “risk of retaliatory attacks.” The FCDO warned that foreign nationals in Maiduguri could face extreme difficulty leaving the city if security deteriorates further.

In the South-East and South-South regions, the advisory cautioned against all travel to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, noting that militant groups have frequently targeted oil and gas infrastructure. The FCDO warned of “a high risk of armed robbery, criminality, and kidnapping,” adding that clashes between secessionist groups and security forces pose additional danger