By Mardiyyah Abubakar
The United Kingdom has advised its citizens against all travel to parts of 11 Nigerian states, including Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe, citing security concerns.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office issued the updated travel advisory on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe states in the North-East, as well as Katsina and Zamfara states in the North-West.
In the South-South, the UK government warned against all travel to riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The FCDO described the affected riverine areas as river and swamp locations accessible by boat but not by road.
The UK also advised its citizens to avoid all but essential travel to several other states and the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja.
In the North-East, Bauchi State falls under the all-but-essential travel category.
In the North-West, the advisory covers Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto states.
The warning also applies to Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue states in the North-Central region.
In the South-East, the UK advised against all but essential travel to Abia, Anambra and Imo states.
The same advice applies to non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
The FCDO warned that no travel can be guaranteed safe and urged travellers to research their destinations and obtain appropriate travel insurance before travelling.
It also warned that travel insurance could become invalid if travellers visit areas against the FCDO’s advice.
The UK government said travellers should ensure their insurance covers their entire itinerary, planned activities and expenses that may arise during an emergency.
The updated Nigeria travel advice also contains information on entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health concerns, IVF, fertility treatment scams and overseas adoption.
Areas Under the UK’s “Against All Travel” Warning
* Borno
* Yobe
* Adamawa
* Gombe
* Katsina
* Zamfara
* Riverine areas of Delta
* Riverine areas of Bayelsa
* Riverine areas of Rivers
* Riverine areas of Akwa Ibom
* Riverine areas of Cross River
Areas Under the “All But Essential Travel” Warning
* Bauchi
* Kaduna
* Kano
* Kebbi
* Jigawa
* Sokoto
* Niger
* Kogi
* Plateau
* Taraba
* Kwara
* Benue
* Abia
* Anambra
* Imo
* Non-riverine areas of Delta
* Non-riverine areas of Bayelsa
* Non-riverine areas of Rivers
* Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja
The FCDO said its travel advice is designed to help British nationals assess the risks of travelling to Nigeria and make informed decisions.
