The United Kingdom has issued a fresh travel advisory covering several parts of Nigeria, advising its citizens against all travel to areas it considers high-risk due to security concerns.
The warning places Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara under the strictest restriction, while similar advice applies to riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The UK government defines the affected riverine areas as locations that can be reached by boat but not by road.
The advisory was published on Thursday, August 20, 2026, as part of the latest update to its Nigeria travel guidance.
In its assessment, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) also advised against all but essential travel to several other states, including Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto.
The advisory also covers Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue states in the North-Central region, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja.
In the South-East, Abia, Anambra and Imo states were also placed under the category requiring travel only when essential. Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states were similarly classified.
The FCDO warned that travelling in Nigeria carries risks, stressing that “No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
It urged British nationals planning trips to Nigeria to study its travel guidance and carefully assess the security situation in their intended destinations.
The UK government also advised travellers to obtain appropriate travel insurance, warning that their policies could become invalid if they travel against FCDO advice.
The updated guidance also provides information on entry requirements, security conditions, health concerns and access to assistance while in Nigeria.
It further highlights risks associated with IVF and fertility treatment scams, as well as overseas adoption.
The FCDO advised travellers to ensure that their insurance covers their full itinerary, planned activities and potential emergency expenses while in Nigeria.