Stop Travelling to Nigeria For Now - UK Warns Citizens, Gives Reason

High kidnap threat in all parts of Nigeria - UK issues fresh travel advisory to its citizens

The United Kingdom has issued a strict warning to its citizens concerning Nigeria and its north eastern part as it declares that most parts of the African country are taken over by threats of insecurity, majorly kidnappings. 

The UK said in the new warning that the north eastern part of Nigeria has witnessed a deteriorating security situation since 2018. The country warned its nationals from travelling to Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina and Kano states, except where such journeys are very crucial in the advisory of December 24, 2018. 

It warned its 117,000 citizens of whom visit Nigeria every year to avoid worship centres, shopping malls, hotels, camps for displaced people, and such other areas. 

“The Islamic Movement in Nigeria continues to protest in central Abuja, which have been held daily since January 7, 2018. While protests are usually peaceful, they have the potential to turn violent. “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Nigeria. Most attacks occur in the North-East, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe states. 

“There’s a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria. Kidnap can be motivated by criminality or terrorism, and could be carried out for financial or political gain. 

“The security environment in the north-east has deteriorated in 2018 and there is a heightened risk of kidnap. Kidnaps in the north-east have included humanitarian and private sector workers. 

“There are also reports that Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa (a faction of the sect) are continuing to actively plan to kidnap foreigners,” the UK said.

The UK added: "If you travel to areas to which the FCO advise against travel, you are particularly at risk and will need a high level of security.

"If you’re working in northern Nigeria you should make sure your employers provide an adequate level of security where you live and where you work, make sure they regularly review security arrangements and familiarise yourself with those plans."

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to: 

1. Borno state 

2. Yobe state 

3. Adamawa state 

4. Gombe state 

5. Riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states 

6. Within 20km of the border with Niger in Zamfara State

The FCO advise against all but essential travel to: 

1. Bauchi state 

2. Zamfara state 

3. Kano state

4. Kaduna state 

5. Jigawa state 

6. Katsina state 

7. Kogi state 

8. Within 20km of the border with Niger in Sokoto and Kebbi states 

9. Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers state 

10. Abia state

Legit.ng earlier reported that the presidency recently said that the federal government will take critical action after analysing allegations made by Amnesty International. 

The group had raised concern about alleged right abuse by the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government.