The United Kingdom has issued a fresh travel advisory warning its nationals against travelling to several parts of Nigeria, citing heightened security risks across 18 states and some riverine communities.

The warning was contained in the latest travel advice issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which categorised several areas as high-risk due to threats including terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and communal violence.

The FCDO advised British nationals against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe states in the North-East, while it advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi State.

In the North-West, the UK government warned against all travel to Katsina and Zamfara, while advising against all but essential travel to Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto.

The advisory also covers parts of North-Central Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, with the FCDO advising against all but essential travel to Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue states.

The warning extends to parts of southern Nigeria, particularly riverine communities that are accessible by boat but not by road.

The FCDO advised against all travel to riverine areas in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

It also advised against all but essential travel to Abia State, as well as non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers. Anambra and Imo states were also included in the advisory.

The UK government’s travel guidance forms part of its continuing security assessment for British nationals visiting or residing in Nigeria.

The FCDO regularly reviews its travel advice in response to developments that could affect the safety of its citizens, including terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and communal violence.

Under the UK’s travel advisory system, an “advise against all travel” warning represents the most severe level of caution, while “advise against all but essential travel” urges nationals to undertake journeys only when absolutely necessary.

The British government has advised its nationals to check the latest travel guidance before and during trips to Nigeria, noting that security conditions can change rapidly.

The latest warning comes amid persistent security challenges in parts of the country, particularly the North-East and North-West, where insurgency, terrorism, banditry and kidnapping remain major concerns.

British nationals in Nigeria have consequently been urged to factor the FCDO’s security assessment into their travel plans and exercise caution when moving within affected areas.