The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom has updated its travel advisory for Nigeria, warning British citizens against all travel to six states and cautioning against non-essential travel to another eighteen, as the security situation worsens across multiple regions.
The advisory cites rising incidents of kidnapping, militant attacks, terrorist activity — most notably by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) — and violent crime in several states.
Scope of Affected Regions
According to the latest guidance from the FCDO, British nationals are advised against all travel to three north-eastern states: Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. In addition, the advisory covers further states where non-essential travel is strongly discouraged, including parts of the North West, North Central and South East regions. The “no travel” and “essential-travel-only” classifications now cover 24 states in total.
Reasons Behind the Advisory Shift
The FCDO highlights that terrorist attacks in Nigeria are very likely, and that such attacks may occur without warning — including at transport hubs, places of worship, markets and public gatherings. Kidnappings remain a serious risk, especially for foreign or dual-national travellers, with militant groups and armed gangs targeting convoys, remote oil-producing areas, and river-based transit zones. U.K. travel guidance specifically warns that humanitarian convoys and foreign personnel face heightened risk of abduction or assault.
Nigeria’s Deepening Insecurity
While Nigeria has long grappled with insurgency in the north-east, the violence has increasingly spilled into the north-west, central, and southern regions. The rise in armed criminality, kidnappings for ransom, and militancy around oil-rich swamps and riverine communities adds complexity to the threat landscape. The U.S. State Department similarly warns of kidnapping, terrorism and civil unrest across multiple states.
For example, in September 2025, the U.K. reclassified Kaduna State from “Red” (avoid all travel) to “Amber” (some travel allowed) in recognition of improved security, showing that targeted progress is possible even amid the broader advisory.
Implications for Travellers and British Nationals
The expanded travel warning means that Britons travelling to any of the flagged states risk invalidating travel insurance, receiving limited consular support and facing heightened danger. The FCDO advises UK nationals to register their trip, monitor local conditions, subscribe to alerts and reconsider travel plans to affected areas. Those already in Nigeria are urged to stay vigilant, avoid travel after dark, steer clear of public gatherings and maintain a low profile.
Broader Consequences for Nigeria’s Economy and Diplomacy
The advisory carries significance beyond individual travel; tourism, foreign investment and international business conventions may be impacted by the perception of deteriorating security. Nigeria’s foreign relations may feel strain as security advisories accumulate, especially when tied to broader diplomatic messaging from Western states. The U.K. warning — plus other global alerts — feeds into a narrative of escalating risk that could hamper regional development and investor confidence.
What Happens Next
The FCDO has emphasised that its guidance remains under continuous review and will shift in line with the security situation. As seen in Kaduna, improvements on the ground can be recognised and lead to relaxation of the advisory. The U.K. government is also expected to engage with Nigerian authorities, humanitarian agencies and diplomatic partners to monitor developments and support risk mitigation.
Travellers should check the official U.K. Government website for the most up-to-date advice before making any plans.
A Timely Warning in an Evolving Landscape
The United Kingdom’s decision to broaden its travel warning for Nigeria underlines the severity and complexity of the security threats facing the country. With terrorism, kidnapping and militant violence stretching beyond traditional hotspots, British nationals are being urged to reconsider travel to a wide swathe of states. For Nigeria, the advisory is also a reminder of the imperative to address security gaps not only for domestic stability, but to maintain international links and visitor confidence.
