Nigeria travel advice

FCO travel advice for Nigeria

The travel advice summary below is provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. ‘We’ refers to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. For their full travel advice, visit www.fco.gov.uk.

Last updated: 08 February 2012 14:13

We advise against ALL travel to:

• Borno State.
• Yobe State.
• Bayelsa State.
• Delta State.
• Rivers State (including Port Harcourt).
• Riverine areas of Akwa Ibom State.
• The Bakassi Peninsula.

We advise against ALL BUT ESSENTIAL travel to:

• Kano City.
• Bauchi State.
• Plateau State (including Jos).
• Non-riverine areas of Akwa Ibom State.
• Abia State.

Other advice:

• On 7 February two separate explosions occurred at the Nigerian Army 1 Division Headquarters and at the Airforce Headquarters in Kawo in Northern Kaduna. A third explosion occurred at the nearby Kawo flyover. Media reports of three fatalities and around 40 casualties. Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the attacks. We continue to advise British nationals in the area to exercise vigilance and caution, and to comply with any instructions given by the local authorities.

• On 20 January, a series of co-ordinated terrorist attacks took place in Kano city targeting police and other government buildings. Local authorities have confirmed the offical death toll at 185 people. Boko Haram, has claimed responsibility. Following these attacks, other unexploded devices have been discovered in Kano city and made safe by the local authorities.  

• On 28 January, Boko Haram threatened to attack Sokoto.  The group have previously carried out co-ordinated and large scale attacks, including the attacks on Kano on 20 January which killed 185 people.  We cannot rule out their intent to attack other northern Nigerian states.

• The Nigerian authorities have announced that the curfew in Kano city will be in force from 18:00 until 06:00.

• In light of the 20 January attacks, we advise against all but essential travel to Kano city. Those in Kano city should remain vigilant and exercise caution.  DFID and British Council have limited their operations in Kano pending further assessment of the situation.

• There is a threat of kidnapping throughout Nigeria. Westerners have been the target of kidnaps. On 12 May 2011, a British national was kidnapped alongside an Italian national in Kebbi State.

• A number of curfews are being enforced across Nigeria.  Curfews are used on a regular basis following incidents and unrest, and can be imposed with short notice.  British nationals are urged to comply with all curfews and to monitor local media to find out about any curfews that are in place.

• There is an ongoing risk of demonstrations and rallies in Nigeria following the general strike that took place from 9 to 16 January.

• On 31 December, following the 25 December bombings claimed by the Islamist group Boko Haram, the Nigerian Government declared a State of Emergency in some areas of the country. The State of Emergency covers the following: Five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Borno State - Maiduguri, Gamboru-Ngala, Banki-Bame, Biu, Jere; Five LGAs in Yobe State - Damaturu, Geidam, Potiskum, Buniyadi-Gujiba, Gasua-Bade; Four LGAs in Plateau State - Jos North, Jos South, Barkin-Ladi, Riyom; Suleja LGA in Niger State (which includes Madalla). The exact ramifications of the state of emergency remain unclear but it is reported that the international borders of these states have been closed.

• There is a high threat from terrorism in Nigeria.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places such as markets, hotels, shopping centres, places of worship and other areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  Government, security institutions and places of worship as well as international organisations have been attacked by Boko Haram.

• Localised outbreaks of civil unrest can occur at short notice.  You are advised to avoid large crowds, demonstrations and obvious political gatherings.  Trouble on the streets can be spontaneous, and can quickly lead to violence.  Details and advice are circulated via the British High Commission's Community Liaison Officers' network.  We advise British nationals staying in Nigeria for three months or more to register with the British High Commission.

• The Movement of the Emancipation of the Niger Delta has threatened to carry out attacks on major oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta. The latest such threat was issued on 6 February 2012.

• Nigeria experiences heavy rainfall during the wet season (June - September) and flash flooding can occur.  Water-borne disease poses a greater risk during the rainy season.

• 52 British nationals required consular assistance in Nigeria in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011. Violent crime is also prevalent in the south of the country, including Lagos.

• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.