The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a comprehensive travel advisory for Nigeria, urging British nationals to reconsider travel plans and exercise increased caution due to escalating insecurity across large parts of the country. According to the updated guidance, violent crime, kidnappings, terrorism, and intercommunal violence now affect all regions of Nigeria, prompting the UK government to warn against travel to many states and to advise caution even in key cities. The Telegraph Nigeria+1
The advisory, published on GOV.UK and updated in October/November 2025, underscores that security conditions in Nigeria have deteriorated in recent months. British authorities noted that threats from extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remain significant, particularly in the north-eastern states. FCDO officials pointed out that these groups continue to target civilians, transport hubs, and public gatherings, increasing risks for both local residents and foreign travellers. The Telegraph Nigeria
States Marked as Unsafe
In its latest advisory, the FCDO listed several states where travel is strongly discouraged:
- No travel advised: Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara — due to high and growing threats of terrorism, kidnappings, and violent criminal activity.
- Only essential travel advised: Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba.
- Outer areas of Abuja and other regions also carry risks, including violent crime that has moved from city outskirts to wealthier central districts. The Telegraph Nigeria+1
The advisory also cautions against travel to coastal and riverine parts of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, where militant groups have carried out armed attacks on infrastructure. In the South-East, unrest associated with separatist movements has been flagged as a growing concern, with clashes between these groups and security forces increasing the risk of bystanders being caught in violence. nigeriaworld.com
Safety Guidance for Travellers
Beyond state-by-state warnings, the advisory provides practical safety guidance for anyone already in or considering travel to Nigeria:
- Exercise extreme caution at all times.
- Review personal security procedures and have contingency plans ready.
- Avoid protests and large gatherings — these events can quickly turn violent without warning.
- Monitor local media for updates on security developments.
- British government staff in Nigeria have been restricted in movement, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. nigeriaworld.com
Government Response & Context
The UK’s travel warning reflects worsening security challenges in Nigeria, where multiple layers of conflict have persisted for years. Insurgent violence in the north-east, widespread kidnappings in the north-west, militancy in the Niger Delta, and secessionist tensions in the south-east have all contributed to a complex and unpredictable security environment. This advisory joins similar warnings from other foreign missions in the country, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance. The Telegraph Nigeria
The UK government regularly updates travel advisories based on intelligence from diplomatic missions and security assessments. These advisories are designed to protect citizens abroad and ensure they make informed decisions about travel to regions experiencing unrest or elevated threats.