The United Kingdom advises its citizens against travelling to about 21 states in Nigeria. The nation noted this in its travel advisory issued to its citizens. It also noted that the movement warning is as a result of security concerns bordering towards terrorism.
Therefore, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the United Kingdom released 21 states that UK citizens should be wary of. In the states highlighted, there is high tension of violence ranging from militancy to attacks by Boko Haram terrorists.
This epidemic is more prominent in the North-East (Boko Haram), North-West (Armed Bandits) and South-South (Militancy).
It also addressed an earlier report of the Lassa fever outbreak in some states. In addition, it reported the earlier warning that Nigeria is prone to Zika virus.
“UK health authorities have classified Nigeria as having a risk of Zika virus transmission,” it warned.
The Nigerian States UK listed
- Borno
- Yobe
- Adamawa
- Gombe
- Bayelsa
- Kaduna
- Sokoto
- Kebbi
- Jigawa
- Katsina
- Bauchi
- Kano
- Kogi
- Abia
– riverine areas of
- Delta
- Rivers
- Akwa Ibom
- Cross River states
– within 20 kilometres of the Nigerian border
- Niger
- Zamfara
The FCO statement which contains the list with detailed information reads below:
“Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Nigeria. Most attacks occur in the northeast, particularly in Borno (including central Maiduguri and along access routes connecting the city to other major towns and along the Niger border, including in Damasak), Yobe, including the eastern LGAs bordering Borno State both north and south of the Damaturu road), and the Adamawa States.
“There have also been significant attacks in Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Jos and Bauchi States and in the Federal capital, Abuja. The terrorist threat across eastern Yobe and Borno State is high, with frequent recent attacks.”
They also addressed terrorist attacks in the North-East:
“Terrorist groups carried out attacks in North East Nigeria during the February 2019 election period, and further attacks are likely. We continue to advise against all travel to Borno and Yobe States.
“On 23 February 2019, ISWA launched an attack involving indirect fire that resulted in explosions in multiple locations within Maiduguri.
“You should avoid places where crowds gather, including political meetings, religious gatherings and places of worship, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, transport hubs and camps for displaced people.
“Attacks could be indiscriminate and could affect western interests as well as places visited by tourists. Besides Abuja, other major towns and cities remain particularly at risk, including Kano and Kaduna.”
It concluded with advice to those embarking on a trip to Nigeria
“If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
“Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. Make sure your policy covers you for the type of travel you’re proposing to undertake.”
Find out more here.