Nigeria Faces More Diplomatic Tension As UK Warns Citizens Against Travelling To 21 Nigerian States, FCT, Cites Insecurity, Other Concerns
By: Olufemi Orunsola
More diplomatic tensions seem to be building up against Africa's most populous country after Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern as the United Kingdom government has also issued a fresh travel advisory warning its citizens against travelling to 21 Nigerian states, citing “increasing insecurity” across the country.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the latest the new advisory, released by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and updated on October 21, 2025, cited kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and intercommunal violence as major threats facing Nigerians and foreign nationals.
According to the FCDO, “Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions".
The UK specifically advised its citizens to avoid travel to North East States such as:Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Gombe States, warning of possible retaliatory attacks amid ongoing military operations against insurgents
The advisory also counselled British nationals to avoid non-essential trips to Bauchi State, citing the continued threat of attacks from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Other North West States were placed on the “no-travel” list due to frequent bandit attacks, mass kidnappings, and violent clashes.
Travelling to Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, and Sokoto States was also discouraged except for “essential reasons.”
The FCDO further advised against non-essential travel to Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba States, all in the North-Central zone, citing recurring incidents of violence and armed attacks.
OTN News observes that Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, came under caution. The advisory noted that violent crimes — including armed robbery and abduction — have spread from the city’s outskirts into central and affluent areas. The UK government also warned of protests “which can turn violent without notice.”
Similarly, the no-travel list captures the South-Eastern part of the country where travel to Abia, Anambra, and Imo States are rated as not-advisable and high risk travels due to the activities of secessionist groups and recurrent violence. Similarly, non-riverine parts of Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States.
In addition to the security watch list, the UK also warned its citizens about widespread financial scams, fraudulent fertility clinics, and fake adoption practices in Nigeria.
Citing cases of foreigners beibg deceived into believing they had given birth through what locals describe as “miracle babies,” the UK Government warned that such could lead to legal complications upon returning to the UK.
The advisory cautioned that, "If you bring a child who is not biologically related to you into the UK without following legal procedures, you could face prosecution."
The British government while stating that the travel advisory remains part of the UK’s standard global security update, which is regularly reviewed in light of prevailing conditions, pledged to continously monitor Nigeria’s security situation via its diplomatic presence in the populous African country.
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