Some of the states blacklisted by the UK government Katsina, Borno, Yobe Adamawa, Gombe States, and many others.
In a statement on its website on Tuesday 18th June. he UK government advised its citizens from visiting such states because terrorists are likely to carry out terror attacks in those states.
Quoting the statement:
“The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:
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 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 are high, with frequent recent attacks. 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. There’s a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria.
Kidnaps can be motivated by criminality or terrorism and could be carried out for financial or political gain. The security environment in the northeast has deteriorated since 2018 and there is a heightened risk of kidnap. Kidnaps in the northeast have included humanitarian and private sector workers.
There are also reports that Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) are continuing to actively plan to kidnap foreigners. As well as in north-east Nigeria, this is believed to include some northern and middle belt states including Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Niger, and Adamawa. If you’re working or travelling in areas where there is a Boko Haram or ISWA presence, especially in the north-east of Nigeria, you should be aware of the risk of terrorist kidnapping.
There have been recent attacks in Maiduguri, Baga, Monguno, Damasak and Rann in Borno State and in Gujba and Geidam LGAs in Yobe State. Further attacks are likely. We advise against all travel to Borno and Yobe States. We advise against all but essential travel to Kano state.
If you’re in or around Kano city, we recommend you take added precautions. You should be aware of our surroundings and avoid large crowds and public demonstrations as they can turn violent unexpectedly and at short notice. Follow news reports and be alert to developments. If you become aware of any nearby unrest or disturbances, you should leave the area immediately. Violent crime is common.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever on 22 January. UK health authorities have classified Nigeria as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. Around 117,000 British nationals visit Nigeria each year. Most visits are trouble-free. Before considering travel to areas to which the FCO advise against all or all but essential travel you should take professional security advice.
Be vigilant at all times, keep others informed of your travel plans and vary your routines. If you’re working in Nigeria you should follow your employer’s security advice, make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly. Consular support is offered in Nigeria although limited in areas where the FCO advise against all or all but essential travel.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest Britishembassy, 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.”
Source: Informationng.com
