UK Flags 20 Nigerian States As High-Risk Over Insecurity

The United Kingdom Government has issued a fresh warning to its citizens over the spate of insecurity across Nigeria, listing 20 states as high-risk for travel.

In its latest advisory released by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and obtained by LEADERSHIP on Sunday, the UK highlighted growing cases of kidnapping, terrorism, armed violence, and intercommunal clashes across the country.

The FCDO advised British nationals in Nigeria to exercise extreme caution, review their security arrangements, and maintain contingency plans.

According to the advisory, the UK government strongly warned against all travel to six northern states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara, citing threats from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP), particularly around transport hubs, religious sites and public gatherings.

It also discouraged 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, due to what it called surge in violent crime and ongoing military operations.

The advisory further cautioned against travel to Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States, citing militant attacks on oil and gas facilities and frequent cases of kidnapping in the Niger Delta region.

In the South East, the UK warned that clashes between secessionist groups and security agencies have made the region volatile.

The UK also cited increased cases of armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnappings in the South West stated, including Lagos.

Although large-scale terrorist attacks remain uncommon in the South West, the FCDO noted that ISWAP had previously claimed responsibility for attacks in the region in 2022.

The British government urged its nationals to stay alert, avoid large gatherings, and adhere strictly to local security advisories while in Nigeria.