The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the United Kingdom has warned British nationals against travelling to about 21 states in Nigeria over terrorism and other security concerns.

The travel warning which was posted on its website and updated on Monday stemmed from what it described as the worsening security situation particularly Boko Haram terrorists attacks in the North-East, armed banditry in the North-West and militancy in the South-South.

Specifically, the FCO advised against all travels to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, and the riverine states of Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

The British government also cautioned against trips to within 20 kilometres of the border with Niger and Zamfara states.

The FCO further advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Kogi and within 20 km of the border with Niger in Sokoto and Kebbi states and the non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Abia states.

The warning also advised British nationals in Nigeria to avoid crowds, including political meetings, religious gatherings and places of worship, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, transport hubs and camps for displaced persons.

“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,” it stated.

While noting that there was a high threat of kidnap throughout the country, the FCO added that the abductions could be motivated by criminality or terrorism and could be carried out for financial or political gain.

“The security environment in the North-East has deteriorated since 2018 and there is a heightened risk of kidnap. There is also a high threat of criminal kidnap in the Niger Delta region and Kogi State.

“If you travel to areas  which the FCO advise against, you are particularly at risk and will need a high level of security,” the advisory added.