By Desire Emmanuel
The British Government, through its Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, has sounded a fresh warning to its citizens, especially those living in Nigeria, telling them not to travel to some states in the country, citing escalating insecurity, violent crime, terrorism and kidnappings.
The government named the states as Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara, citing a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings.”
In its latest Foreign Travel Advisory published on its website on Sunday, November 9, the British Government said insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.”
The advisory therefore urged British nationals to exercise extreme caution, review safety procedures, and ensure they have contingency plans in place.
The advisory warned that “humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.”
In addition, the advisory warned against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as the outer suburbs of the Federal Capital Territory.
It also urged the “British government staff in Nigeria to restrict travel to an area broadly within the Abuja metropolitan area.
“There are protests in Abuja from time to time, which can turn violent. Monitor local media, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and follow instructions from local police and security forces,” it added.
