Cites Rising Insecurity, Banditry, and Risk of Kidnapping in Affected Regions
London, UK — November 2025:
The United Kingdom Government has issued a fresh travel advisory cautioning its citizens against visiting several Nigerian states due to heightened insecurity, terrorism, and kidnapping risks.
The update was released through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which regularly reviews global safety alerts for British travelers.
According to the statement, the advisory follows recent reports of violent clashes, bandit attacks, and kidnappings in parts of Northern and Southeastern Nigeria.
“The FCDO advises against all travel to certain areas and all but essential travel to several others due to insecurity, the presence of armed groups, and high risks of kidnapping,” the statement read.
⚠️ Why the UK Issued the Warning
The UK government said the latest update was informed by:
- Increased terrorist activity in parts of the North-East;
- Banditry and kidnapping incidents in the North-West and North-Central regions;
- Communal violence and separatist unrest in the South-East;
- Militant attacks and piracy risks in the Niger Delta and coastal regions.
“Foreign nationals have been targeted in multiple incidents. Anyone currently in Nigeria should remain vigilant, monitor local media, and follow the advice of local authorities,” the advisory added.
🗺️ States Affected
While the full list of restricted states appears in the comments section, the advisory covers several states in the:
- North-East: including areas affected by Boko Haram and ISWAP operations.
- North-West & North-Central: where banditry and kidnapping have surged.
- South-East: where separatist activities and sit-at-home orders have disrupted security.
- Niger Delta: where sporadic oil-related violence persists.
The FCDO noted that even major cities such as Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt could face sudden security incidents and warned against night travel across inter-state roads.
🏛️ Nigerian Response
Officials from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have described the advisory as “precautionary,” insisting that the federal government continues to take active measures to improve national security.
A spokesperson for the ministry stated:
“Nigeria remains safe for lawful business and tourism. Security agencies are actively addressing all emerging threats.”
✈️ UK Citizens Advised to Stay Alert
British citizens currently residing in Nigeria have been urged to:
- Avoid unnecessary road travel, especially at night.
- Steer clear of large gatherings or political demonstrations.
- Keep emergency contacts and travel insurance active.
The FCDO emphasized that travel advisories are regularly updated based on real-time intelligence from its High Commission in Abuja.
🔎 The Bigger Picture
This is the third security-related update the UK government has issued on Nigeria in 2025, highlighting the continued global concern over the country’s internal security challenges.
Analysts say such advisories could impact foreign investment and tourism, but also reflect the need for governments to safeguard their citizens abroad.
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