Updated Travel Advisory for British Citizens in Nigeria
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a revised travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting several parts of Nigeria. The advisory highlights the growing levels of insecurity across the country, including kidnappings, violent crime, terrorism, and intercommunal clashes.
Released on Sunday, November 9, 2025, the advisory states that “insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.” It urges British nationals to exercise extreme caution, review their safety measures, and ensure they have contingency plans in place before traveling.
High-Risk Areas
The FCDO specifically advises against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states. These areas are considered to be under a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa,” particularly around transport hubs, religious areas, and large gatherings. The advisory also warns that humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.
In addition to these high-risk states, the FCDO recommends 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. Violent crime, often involving firearms, has spread from Abuja’s outskirts to central, wealthier areas.
Security Measures for Travelers
British Government staff in Nigeria have been advised to restrict travel to an area broadly within the Abuja metropolitan area. The advisory notes that protests in the city can occasionally turn violent. Travellers are urged 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.
South-East and South-South Regions
In the South-East and South-South regions, the advisory cautions against all travel to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states. These areas have seen frequent targeting of oil and gas infrastructure by militant groups. The FCDO warns of “a high risk of armed robbery, criminality, and kidnapping,” adding that clashes between secessionist groups and security forces pose additional danger.
Key Recommendations for British Nationals
- Exercise extreme cautionin all regions of Nigeria.
- Review safety measuresand ensure contingency plans are in place.
- Avoid non-essential travelto high-risk states such as Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba.
- Monitor local mediaand avoid demonstrations.
- Follow instructionsfrom local police and security forces.
- Be aware of the risksin the North-East, where military operations and retaliatory attacks are common.
- Avoid riverine areasin the South-East and South-South due to the presence of militant groups and increased criminal activity.