UK updates Nigeria travel advisory, says Abuja now relatively safe
The UK government updated its travel advisory on Nigeria on Monday after around two weeks of advising against travel to most parts of the country, including Abuja.
“The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to the Federal Capital Territory, including the city of Abuja, but risks remain,” it said in its latest advisory.
Although the orange alert on the FCT is now green, its advice against travel to other parts of Nigeria remains in place.
"There are still a number of states in Nigeria where we advise UK nationals against all but essential travel. These include: Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto, Kogi, Abia, Plateau, Taraba, To less than 20 km from the border with Niger in Kebbi State and non-river areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States,” he said in the notice.
“We also advise against travel to: Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State, Gombe State, Kaduna State, Katsina State, Zamfara State and riverine areas of Delta State, Bayelsa State, Rivers State, Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State,” he said. added.
He noted that his travel advice exists to inform UK nationals so they can make decisions about overseas travel.
The British High Commission in Abuja will resume normal operations on Tuesday 8 November 2022 and offer its usual services. It only offered essential services since the alert.
Security AlertTwo weeks ago, the UK and US issued separate security alerts warning of an increased risk of terrorist attacks in the FCT. Following the alert, the State Security Service (SSS) advised Nigerians to remain calm but cautious.
The US State Department, in a further escalation of the threat, has approved the departure of its citizens wishing to leave Nigeria due to the alert. The US Embassy has also suspended consular services in Abuja.
However, the Nigerian government, through Information Minister Lai Mohammed, condemned the US and UK advice. The government has insisted that Nigeria, including the capital Abuja, is safe. Mr. Mohammed said that all countries, including the United States, have their own challenges.
Despite assurances from the Nigerian government, other foreign missions continued to inform their citizens of a possible attack on Abuja
Following advice from the US and UK governments, the security presence has been strengthened in the Nigerian capital, Abuja. Security officers carried out random checks of homes and cars in parts of town, including the popular TradeMoore estate in Lugbe.
A popular mall, Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja, has also temporarily closed for security reasons. Julius Berger also advised his expats to avoid public gatherings during this time.
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The UK government updated its travel advisory on Nigeria on Monday after around two weeks of advising against travel to most parts of the country, including Abuja.
“The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to the Federal Capital Territory, including the city of Abuja, but risks remain,” it said in its latest advisory.
Although the orange alert on the FCT is now green, its advice against travel to other parts of Nigeria remains in place.
"There are still a number of states in Nigeria where we advise UK nationals against all but essential travel. These include: Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto, Kogi, Abia, Plateau, Taraba, To less than 20 km from the border with Niger in Kebbi State and non-river areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States,” he said in the notice.
“We also advise against travel to: Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State, Gombe State, Kaduna State, Katsina State, Zamfara State and riverine areas of Delta State, Bayelsa State, Rivers State, Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State,” he said. added.
He noted that his travel advice exists to inform UK nationals so they can make decisions about overseas travel.
The British High Commission in Abuja will resume normal operations on Tuesday 8 November 2022 and offer its usual services. It only offered essential services since the alert.
Security AlertTwo weeks ago, the UK and US issued separate security alerts warning of an increased risk of terrorist attacks in the FCT. Following the alert, the State Security Service (SSS) advised Nigerians to remain calm but cautious.
The US State Department, in a further escalation of the threat, has approved the departure of its citizens wishing to leave Nigeria due to the alert. The US Embassy has also suspended consular services in Abuja.
However, the Nigerian government, through Information Minister Lai Mohammed, condemned the US and UK advice. The government has insisted that Nigeria, including the capital Abuja, is safe. Mr. Mohammed said that all countries, including the United States, have their own challenges.
Despite assurances from the Nigerian government, other foreign missions continued to inform their citizens of a possible attack on Abuja
Following advice from the US and UK governments, the security presence has been strengthened in the Nigerian capital, Abuja. Security officers carried out random checks of homes and cars in parts of town, including the popular TradeMoore estate in Lugbe.
A popular mall, Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja, has also temporarily closed for security reasons. Julius Berger also advised his expats to avoid public gatherings during this time.
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
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