UK Warns Citizens Against Travel to Parts of 28 Nigerian States Over Terrorism, Kidnapping
The United Kingdom has issued a fresh security warning to its citizens travelling to Nigeria, advising against all travel to parts of 11 states and restricting non-essential journeys to several other states and areas.
The updated advisory by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cited terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, banditry and intercommunal violence among the major security concerns.
The FCDO updated its Nigeria travel advice on August 20, 2026, warning that insecurity is increasing across the country. It also said kidnapping, violent crime and communal clashes occur in different regions.
The advisory is particularly significant for British nationals planning trips to northern Nigeria, parts of the Niger Delta, the South-East and some areas around Abuja.
UK lists states under ‘avoid all travel’ warning
The British government advised its citizens against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe states in the North-East.
In the North-West, the same warning applies to Katsina and Zamfara states.
The UK also advised against travelling to riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The FCDO defines riverine areas as river and swamp locations that can be reached by boat but not by road.
According to the advisory, the North-East faces a high and increasing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP).
The UK warned that transport hubs, religious locations and large gatherings could be targeted.
It also said humanitarian workers, vehicles and infrastructure may face attacks in affected areas.
Banditry and kidnapping raise concerns in North-West
The FCDO identified banditry and violent attacks as significant risks in Nigeria’s North-West.
It said there is a high threat of kidnapping in the region and warned that trains could also be vulnerable to attacks.
The UK government specifically advised against all travel to Katsina and Zamfara while recommending only essential travel to Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto states.
UK restricts travel to several North-Central states
The FCDO also advised British nationals to undertake only essential travel to Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue states.
The advisory attributed the restrictions to criminal and militant activity as well as incidents of intercommunal violence.
It also warned that the outer suburbs of Abuja, within the Federal Capital Territory, are vulnerable to varying levels of violence.
The UK said security conditions in some parts of the capital can be unpredictable.
South-East and Niger Delta also affected
The latest UK advisory covers parts of the South-East and South-South.
British nationals were advised to make only essential journeys to Abia and Anambra states, as well as Imo State.
The same restriction applies to non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states.
The FCDO said militant groups remain active in the Niger Delta and have carried out attacks against oil and gas infrastructure.
It also warned of armed robbery, criminality and kidnapping in the region.
In the South-East, the UK said separatist groups remain active and that clashes involving security forces have occurred.
The FCDO noted that attacks could happen on isolated roads and in remote areas but warned that metropolitan locations could also be affected.
Terrorist attacks remain a major concern
The British government said terrorists are very likely to attempt attacks in Nigeria.
It identified Boko Haram and ISWAP as the main terrorist threats, particularly in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.
The FCDO warned that terrorist attacks have also occurred in other parts of Nigeria, meaning travellers should not assume that areas outside the main conflict zones are completely risk-free.
Potential targets identified by the UK include places of worship, markets, shopping centres, hotels, restaurants, schools, government buildings, transport hubs and large gatherings.
The advisory also urged travellers to exercise extra caution during elections, religious periods and public holidays.
Kidnapping described as widespread across Nigeria
The FCDO described kidnapping as widespread in Nigeria, with particularly serious risks in parts of the North-West.
It identified Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Borno and Sokoto among areas where the kidnapping threat is particularly severe.
The UK also highlighted risks in parts of North-Central Nigeria, including Niger, Kogi, Kwara and the FCT.
Criminal groups have reportedly stopped vehicles on major highways, making road travel a particular concern.
The advisory urged British nationals to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary exposure to high-risk areas.
UK warns citizens about travelling at night
The FCDO advised against night travel, especially in North-Central Nigeria.
It cited poor road conditions, driving standards and high fatality rates as additional risks for travellers.
In Lagos, the UK government highlighted street crime, mugging, carjacking and armed robbery as security concerns, particularly on the mainland.
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The advisory also warned about illegal vehicle checkpoints along some northern routes.
It further raised concerns about piracy and armed robbery in Nigerian waters and the Niger Delta.
What the UK wants its citizens to do
The FCDO advised British nationals in Nigeria to take several precautions, including avoiding demonstrations and monitoring local media for security updates.
Travellers were also advised to vary their movement patterns, travel during daylight where possible and maintain emergency or evacuation plans.
The UK government further warned that travelling against FCDO advice could affect travel insurance coverage.
The latest advisory does not mean that every part of Nigeria is under a blanket travel ban. Instead, the FCDO has assigned different levels of warning to specific states and regions based on the security risks identified in those locations.
