What happened
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for Nigeria, flagging several northern states as high-risk and advising British nationals to avoid or exercise extreme caution when travelling to those areas. The guidance cites rising terrorism and violent crime, including threats from Boko Haram/ISWAP and armed banditry around transport hubs and public gatherings. 0
Federal Government response
The Federal Government (FG) has formally reacted to the advisory, describing the UK’s designation as serious and saying it will take action. Official statements from the Federal Ministry of Information indicate that the government is engaging diplomatic channels and ramping up security operations and public reassurance measures in the affected regions. 1
States mentioned and the advisory’s specifics
Different outlets report that the FCDO’s update covers a range of states with varying levels of travel advice — from “avoid all travel” to “exercise increased caution.” Reports commonly list Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara among those with the strongest warnings, while other northern and central states were listed with more limited restrictions. Travelers were urged to keep contingency plans up to date and follow local safety guidance. 3
Context — why the UK updated its advice
The FCDO points to a combination of factors including an increased threat from insurgent groups (Boko Haram/ISWAP), banditry, kidnappings and communal clashes that have affected stability in parts of northern Nigeria. Humanitarian workers, transport, and large gatherings are highlighted as potential targets. The advisory is intended to help UK nationals make informed decisions; it does not change on-the-ground dynamics but signals external concern. 4
What this means for residents and visitors
- Residents should follow official local guidance, register with their employers or local authorities if required, and keep emergency plans current.
- Foreign nationals and temporary residents should consult their embassy’s guidance and consider postponing non-essential travel to flagged areas.
- Businesses, NGOs and humanitarian agencies should review security procedures for staff and operations in affected states.
Government and diplomatic next steps
According to government communications, the FG intends to: (1) seek clarifications from the UK on the data and reasoning behind the advisory; (2) step up visible security patrols and intelligence-sharing in the most affected states; and (3) brief citizens and the international community on measures being taken to contain threats. Analysts note that diplomatic engagement and transparent sharing of security assessments will be important to restore confidence. 5
How to stay updated
Keep an eye on official channels — the FCDO’s Nigeria travel advice page for updates if you are a UK national, and the Federal Ministry of Information’s communications for Nigeria’s response and local security advisories. Subscribing to alerts, registering with an employer or embassy when travelling, and following reputable local news outlets will help people receive timely information. 6
Quick tips: If you're in or near any of the flagged regions, update emergency contacts, limit non-essential movements, and follow instructions from local authorities and your embassy.