The United Kingdom has advised its citizens against all travel to parts of 11 Nigerian states, citing security concerns, while urging travellers to undertake only essential trips to several other states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The latest advisory was issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Thursday, August 20, 2026, as part of its updated travel advice for Nigeria. The advisory confirms that the UK’s strongest warning applies to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara states, as well as specified riverine areas in five southern states.
In the North-East, the FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe. Bauchi was placed under the less severe category of all but essential travel.
In the North-West, Katsina and Zamfara were listed under the advice against all travel, while Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto were classified as areas where only essential travel was recommended.
The advisory also covers several North-Central states. Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue were placed under the all-but-essential travel category.
In the South-East, the UK advised against all but essential travel to Abia, Anambra and Imo.
The warning also applies to riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. The FCDO defines these areas as river and swamp locations accessible by boat but not by road. Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers are classified under the all-but-essential travel category.
The Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja, is also listed among areas where the UK advises against all but essential travel.
The FCDO cautioned that no travel can be guaranteed safe and advised travellers to research their destinations and obtain appropriate travel insurance before visiting Nigeria.
It also warned that travel insurance could be invalidated if travellers go against FCDO advice, while urging them to ensure their policies cover their full itinerary, planned activities and possible emergency expenses.
The latest guidance covers entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health concerns and assistance available to British nationals in Nigeria.
Originating source: PUNCH Newspapers, reporting on the updated UK FCDO travel advisory. The FCDO’s official Nigeria travel advice confirms the travel-risk classifications.
