Says terrorists very likely to attempt attacks in Nigeria
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), has warned its nationals against all travel to Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States.
FCDO said the travel advice was as a result of the very likely attempts by terrorists to carry out attacks in Nigeria, including indiscriminate attacks against crowded public locations.
The warning by the United Kingdom is sequel to the travel advisory issued by the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria to United States nationals on November 3, 2023.
In the advisory, the United States had warned its nationals against increased threat to major hotels in Nigeria’s larger cities
FCDO further warned its nationals against travel to Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara State.
Also included in the travel advisory were riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
The FCDO also advised its nationals against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto and Kogi States.
FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the border with Niger in Kebbi State, Abia State, non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States; Plateau, Taraba, Anambra, and Imo States.
FCDO said: “Before you travel, check the ‘entry requirements’ section for Nigeria’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.”
FCDO recalled that around 117,000 British tourists visit Nigeria every year, adding that most visits are trouble-free, but a small number of British people encounter problems.
“You should take sensible precautions to protect your safety,” the FCDO said.
The advisory further read: “On 3 November 2023, the US Embassy in Nigeria issued notice of an increased threat to major hotels in Nigeria’s larger cities. UK Travel Advice notes that terrorists are very likely to attempt attacks in Nigeria, including indiscriminate attacks against crowded public locations. Discretion and judgement should be used with regard to activity in public places including large hotels, with visitors encouraged to remain vigilant and alert while paying attention to their surroundings at all times.
“Off-cycle state level elections will take place in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi on 11 November 2023. Based on past election practice, it is likely that movement restrictions will be enforced within those three states from midnight to 6PM on 11 November. Movement restrictions may be extended at any time. It is likely that personal vehicles will be blocked from attempted road movement on the Election Day. There is a heightened risk of rallies and demonstrations which could turn violent.”