Britain has raised fresh security concerns over travel to Nigeria, warning its citizens against visiting several states because of terrorism, kidnapping and intercommunal violence.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office also advised against all but essential travel to 17 other states and the Federal Capital Territory, while urging caution in Lagos, particularly on the mainland.
The FCDO listed Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe in the North East; Katsina and Zamfara in the North West; and riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River among locations to avoid.
It cited a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa” in the North East, alongside banditry and kidnapping in the North West.
The UK also warned of militant activity and kidnapping risks in the Niger Delta, while raising concerns over intercommunal violence in Benue and Kwara.
It advised only essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara, Benue, Abia, Anambra and Imo States, as well as parts of Abuja.
The FCDO said kidnapping was “widespread across Nigeria”, with criminals targeting major highways and warned against night travel because of poor roads, dangerous driving and insecurity.
In Lagos, it urged British nationals to exercise caution over street crime, armed robbery, carjacking and mugging, particularly on the mainland.
The UK advised its citizens to avoid demonstrations, monitor local developments, vary travel patterns and travel during daylight where possible.
