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Nigeria assures safety amid UK travel warnings
The Nigerian Federal Government has moved to reassure residents and foreigners of their safety following a comprehensive travel advisory issued by the United Kingdom, which labeled numerous states as high-risk due to escalating violence, terrorism, and kidnappings.
In its updated guidance, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states. It further recommended against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, and certain areas within the Federal Capital Territory, citing violent crime and potential protests.
In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the government is “keenly aware” of the security challenges and is actively working to address them.
He highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s recent restructuring of security leadership and increased investment in military hardware and intelligence.
“Our security challenges will soon be a thing of the past,” Idris asserted, offering “tacit assurances” that security is gradually improving.
He guaranteed the safety of all foreign nationals as the government implements more effective measures.
However, several state governments directly challenged the UK’s assessment.
Gombe State strongly rejected its inclusion, calling the classification “unfounded and unfair.” Ismaila Misilli, the Director-General of Press Affairs, insisted Gombe is one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states, with no recent record of insurgency or banditry.
He questioned the indices used by the UK and urged the public to disregard the warning, affirming that Gombe remains “safe, welcoming, and open for business.”
Kano State downplayed the advisory as routine. The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, stated that proactive local measures are being taken to address security challenges, which the UK may not be fully aware of.
He emphasized that security forces are working tirelessly to contain threats, particularly in border areas.
Borno State, while acknowledging the advisory as a concern, claimed significant security improvements. Governor Babagana Zulum’s Special Adviser on Security, General Abdullahi Ishaq (retd.), controversially claimed that the state capital, Maiduguri, is “safer than Abuja.”
He pointed to the “Borno model” of encouraging insurgent surrenders through familial outreach as a key success, evidenced by increased agricultural output.
The UK’s advisory painted an alarming picture of several regions:
· North-East: Cited ongoing military operations in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe, with a risk of retaliatory attacks. It warned that leaving Maiduguri could become “extremely difficult” if security deteriorates.
· South-South & Niger Delta: Advised against all travel to riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states due to active militant groups and a high risk of armed robbery and kidnap.
· South-East: Warned of secessionist groups leading to violent clashes with security forces, noting that foreigners could be caught in crossfire.
· South-West (including Lagos): Described violent crimes like mugging and kidnapping as “common,” urging caution, especially on the mainland and at night.
This dispute over security comes against a backdrop of long-standing challenges in Nigeria, including the Boko Haram insurgency, rampant banditry in the north, separatist agitation in the south-east, and criminal militancy in the Niger Delta.
The issue also has an international dimension. Recently, the administration of former US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” claiming Christianity faces an “existential threat.”
In response, Minister Idris denied allegations of religious persecution and disclosed that 17,000 terrorists are currently in custody.
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