The Uk government has warned its nationals from visiting some states in Nigeria that is highly affected by insecurity.
The travel advisory which was issued on Tuesday, August 4, and published on the official website of the UK Foreign Office, stated that “the Foreign & Commonwealth Office currently advises British nationals against all but essential international travel.”
The government stated clearly that Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe States in the North East area of Nigeria should be avoided by its nationals.
The UK also warned against visiting of riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States and also within 20km of the border with Niger in Zamfara State.
It also warned that traveling to North West of Nigeria should only be for essential reasons.
The statement reads, “Furthermore, it advised against travelling to the following places except for essential reasons: The FCO advise against all but essential travel to: Bauchi State, Zamfara State, Kano State,
”Kaduna State within 20km of the state border with Kaduna and Zamfara states in Niger State, west of the Kaduna River
”Jigawa State, Katsina State and Kogi State within 20km of the border with Niger in Sokoto and Kebbi States non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers State and Abia State.
Daily Times gathered that the current insecurity in Nigeria as stated by the UK Foreign Office, has necessitated the temporal withdrawal of a small number of UK staff and dependents at the British High Commission in Abuja and the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos.
“Both locations will continue to carry out essential work including providing 24/7 consular assistance and support to British people in Nigeria,” the statement reads.
“Humanitarian hubs have been targeted during attacks in the north east, including Monguno, Borno State on 13 June 2020.
“There have also been significant attacks in Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Jos and Bauchi States and in the Federal capital, Abuja. Further attacks are likely,” the office warned.
“Anecdotal evidence suggests that the risk of kidnap increases after dark. The security environment in the northeast has deteriorated since 2018 and there is a heightened risk of kidnap. Kidnaps in the northeast have included humanitarian and private-sector workers.”
The UK Foreign Office also revealed that “Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) are continuing to actively plan to kidnap foreigners.
“As well as in north-east Nigeria, extremist groups operate in some northern and middle belt states including Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Kogi, Kaduna, Niger and Adamawa.”
The government warned its nationals to “be vigilant at all times and keep others informed of your travel plans If you’re working in Nigeria you should follow your employer’s security advice, make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly.
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