The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office raised its advisory for Kaduna Kano Katsina and Zamfara states to Level 4 citing multiple kidnappings of foreign nationals in May and June. All but essential travel remains prohibited in these areas. The advisory covers overland routes from Abuja northward.
British nationals already in affected regions received instructions to depart via commercial flights from Abuja or Lagos within 72 hours. Insurance providers simultaneously suspended coverage for new trips to the north.
Background context shows the advisory follows similar Level 4 designations by the US State Department in late May. Regional instability has persisted since 2022 with increased activity by criminal gangs targeting remote mining sites.
What this means for you
Cancel or reroute any northern Nigeria extensions immediately and request full refunds under force majeure clauses. Stick to southern destinations such as Lagos and Calabar where the advisory remains at Level 2.
Update travel insurance policies before departure to confirm coverage for southern Nigeria only. Avoid all road travel between Abuja and the north even for transit purposes.
Monitor FCDO alerts weekly as conditions can shift rapidly with seasonal security operations.