‘Terrorist attacks’: Like US, UK warns citizens against traveling to three Nigerian states
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO ) has warned its nationals against travelling to Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States.
FCDO said the travel advice was as a result of the likely attempts by terrorists to carry out attacks in Nigeria, including indiscriminate attacks against crowded public locations.
The warning by the United Kingdom is sequel to the travel advisory issued by the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria to American nationals on November 3, 2023.
In the advisory, the United States had warned its nationals against increased threat to major hotels in Nigeria’s larger cities. FCDO further warned its nationals against travel to Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara States.
Also included in the travel advisory were riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. The FCDO also advised its nationals against all, but essential travel to Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto and Kogi States.
FCDO also advised against all but essential travel to within 20km of the border with Niger in Kebbi State, Abia State, non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States; Plateau, Taraba, Anambra and Imo States.
FCDO said: “Before you travel, check the ‘entry requirements’ section for Nigeria’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.”
FCDO recalled that around 117,000 British tourists visit Nigeria every year, adding that most visits are trouble-free, but a small number of British people encounter problems.
“You should take sensible precautions to protect your safety,” the FCDO said.
The advisory further read: “On November 3, 2023, the US Embassy in Nigeria issued notice of an increased threat to major hotels in Nigeria’s larger cities. UK Travel Advice notes that terrorists are very likely to attempt attacks in Nigeria, including indiscriminate attacks against crowded public locations. Discretion and judgement should be used with regard to activity in public places, including large hotels, with visitors encouraged to remain vigilant and alert while paying attention to their surroundings at all times.
“Off-cycle state level elections will take place in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi on November 11, 2023. Based on past election practice, it is likely that movement restrictions will be enforced within those three states from midnight to 6pm on November 11. Movement restrictions may be extended at any time.
