UK Issues Travel Advisory on Nigeria Over ‘Increasing Insecurity,’ Flags 21 States
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London/Abuja— The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Nigeria, urging British citizens to avoid all travel to multiple states and advising against all but essential travel to several others, citing a significant and pervasive increase in insecurity across the country.
The advisory, which was updated on October 21, 2025, and remains current, flags a total of 21 states under varying degrees of warning, highlighting threats from terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence.
⚠️ The Core Warning
The FCDO stated that "Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria."
British nationals are urged to exercise "extreme caution," review their safety measures, and maintain current contingency plans.
🛑 States Under ‘Avoid All Travel’ (6 States)
The UK advised its citizens to avoid all travel to the following six northern states due to the high threat from terror groups, banditry, and risk of retaliatory attacks:
Borno State
Yobe State
Adamawa State
Gombe State
Katsina State
Zamfara State
The FCDO specifically noted the high and increasing threat posed by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) in the North-East, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas, and large gatherings.
🗺️ States Under ‘Avoid All But Essential Travel’ (15 States/Areas)
The UK cautioned against all but essential travel to the following areas, citing a high risk of violent crime, kidnapping, and the activity of secessionist and militant groups:
| Region | States/Areas Flagged | Primary Concern |
| North-East | Bauchi State | Risk of terrorism, kidnapping |
| North-West | Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto | Banditry, kidnapping, and inter-communal violence |
| North-Central | Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba | Violent crime, inter-communal conflict |
| South-East | Abia, Anambra, Imo | Active secessionist groups, violent clashes |
| South-South | Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers | High risk of armed robbery, criminality, and kidnapping |
| FCT | Outer suburbs of Abuja | Increased violent crime spreading to central areas |
Note on Niger Delta: The advisory also warns British citizens to avoid all travel to the riverine areas (swamp locations accessible by boat, not by road) of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states due to militant activity targeting oil and gas infrastructure.
The advisory further highlighted that violent crime, often involving firearms, has spread within the nation’s capital, Abuja, and noted that protests can turn violent. British staff in Nigeria have been advised to restrict movements to central Abuja.
🛡️ Invalidated Insurance Risk
The FCDO specifically warned that travel insurance may be invalidated if British citizens choose to travel against the official government advice, particularly in areas designated as "Avoid All Travel."
