Security: United Kingdom Issues Travel Alert To 16 States in Nigeria

A travel advice by the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) current as at 17th August 2016, warns UK citizens against ALL travel to:

Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano city, riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, within 20km of the border with Niger in Zamfara State.

The FCO also advises against all but essential travel to: 

Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Katsina, Kogi States, within 20km of the border with Niger in Sokoto and Kebbi States, Jos City in Plateau State, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers and Abia States. 

According to the FCO travel advice, "there is a continuing high threat from terrorism. Most attacks occur in the north east, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe States. There have also been significant attacks in Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Bauchi, Abuja and Gombe. Further attacks could occur anywhere. Major towns and cities remain particularly at risk, including Bauchi, Kano and Kaduna, and Abuja as the federal capital". 

Report also warns, "Militant groups are active across the Niger Delta area and have carried out a number of attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in 2016; there’s a high risk of armed robbery, criminality and criminal kidnap in the Niger Delta". 

"Attacks have taken place in public or crowded places, including places of worship".

You should avoid public places where crowds gather, including religious gatherings and insecure public spaces like markets and transport hubs. A heavy security presence often indicates areas of particularly high risk. Avoid affected areas in the immediate aftermath of any attack. 

You should be aware of your surroundings and avoid large crowds or public demonstrations as they can turn violent unexpectedly. Follow news reports and be alert to developments. If you become aware of any nearby unrest or disturbances, you should leave the area immediately.

Before considering any travel to areas to which the FCO advise against all or all but essential travel, take professional security advice. Be vigilant at all times, keep others informed of your travel plans and vary your routines. You should follow your employer’s security advice, make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly. The level of consular assistance available to British nationals in areas to which the FCO advise against all or all but essential travel is limited.

For more information, visit the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Website