The UK travel warning Nigeria insecurity alert has sparked concern across diplomatic and security circles as the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) released a fresh advisory cautioning citizens against visiting large parts of Nigeria due to worsening terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime.

According to the latest update, the FCDO warned that insecurity is rising across the country, with incidents of intercommunal violence and abductions occurring in nearly all regions. The advisory urged British nationals to exercise extreme caution, review their safety plans, and maintain contingency arrangements.

The UK government advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara States, citing a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, especially around transport hubs, religious areas, and large gatherings.”

The advisory further stated that humanitarian workers and facilities could be targeted by terrorists or criminal groups operating in those regions.

In addition, the FCDO advised against 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. It explained that violent crimes involving firearms have spread from the outskirts of the capital to more central and wealthier areas of the city.

The government also cautioned that protests in Abuja could turn violent without warning, urging travellers to avoid large gatherings and follow all local security instructions.

The advisory painted an alarming picture of the North-East, where military operations remain active and the risk of retaliatory attacks is high. Travellers in Maiduguri were warned that, if security deteriorates further, evacuation could become extremely difficult.

In the South-East and South-South regions, the UK warned against travel to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States, citing militant activity and high risks of armed robbery and kidnapping.

In the South-West, including Lagos, violent crimes such as mugging, car-jacking, and armed robbery were described as common, especially in large cities. Though large-scale terrorist attacks are rare, the advisory noted that Islamic State West Africa has claimed responsibility for attacks in recent years.

Travellers were advised to remain alert, follow security advice from hotels or employers, and avoid moving around at night.

Nigeria has struggled with widespread insecurity for more than a decade, driven by terrorism, banditry, separatist violence, and communal clashes. While the Nigerian military claims progress against insurgents, groups such as ISWAP and other criminal gangs continue to carry out deadly attacks, especially in northern regions.

The FCDO’s warning underscores growing international concern about Nigeria’s security situation, which has implications for tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations.