UK issues travel advisory on Nigeria over ‘increasing insecurity’, flags 21 states

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised British citizens against traveling to 21 states in Nigeria.

“Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions,” the advisory, updated October 21, reads. The FCDO said the advisory remained current as of Sunday.

In the north-east, the FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Gombe, citing a risk of retaliatory attacks due to regular ongoing military operations.

The office, however, advised British citizens to embark on only essential travels to Bauchi state.

“There is a high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings. Humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals,” the advisory reads.

In the north-west, frequent banditry and violent attacks, a high threat of kidnap, and incidents of inter-communal violence saw the FCDO advise against all travel to Katsina and Zamfara.

The office advised against all but essential travel to Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, and Sokoto.

In the north-central, the FCDO warned against non-essential travel to Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba.

Abuja, the nation’s capital city, also drew concern. The FCDO noted that “violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city” and also pointed to protests “which can turn violent”.

In the south-east, the office cautioned against non-essential travel to Abia, Anambra, Imo, citing active secessionist groups, and non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers.

In Lagos, the FCDO warned against high levels of crime, “particularly on the mainland”, naming street crime as a significant risk.

‘MIRACLE BABIES, ALCOHOL POISONING’ 

A separate comprehensive travel advisor expanded on broader risks British citizens could face in Nigeria.

The FCDO warned against withdrawing cash from ATMs at night due to a spike in criminal activity, and advised nationals against increasing financial scams across romance and work opportunities.

“If you’re considering fertility treatment in Nigeria, be cautious. There have been a number of staged fake births (commonly called ‘miracle babies’) where visitors are falsely led to believe they have given birth,” the advisory reads, adding that the UK has restricted overseas adoption of children from Nigeria.

“If you bring a child who is not biologically related to you into the UK without following the legal procedures, you could face prosecution and the child may not be eligible for British citizenship.”

In addition, the advisory noted that there have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Nigeria.

“Avoid drinking unlicensed products,” the advisory warned, adding that it is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell.

The document also alerted citizens to dangers of drowner swimming off the country’s coast due to rip tides and undertows.