The United Kingdom has warned its citizens against travelling to several parts of Nigeria, noting that another wave of nationwide protests may erupt anytime with little notice.
“Political rallies, protests and violent demonstrations can take place with little notice. Get advice on areas to avoid,” the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said in a travel advisory issued on Tuesday.
The FCDO warned UK citizens against all travels but essential to Abuja, Lagos, Borno, Kano, Imo and other major cities with the view that nationwide protests might recur following the conclusion of the initial wave of days-long demonstrations earlier this month.
The travel advisory indicated, “Widespread public demonstrations took place across Nigeria from 1 to 7 August, including in major cities of Abuja and Lagos. This resulted in disruptions, reports of violence, and use of tear gas by security services in various locations.’’
The FCDO noted that “Protests have now largely receded but may reoccur with little notice. Exercise caution when travelling, consider avoiding travel after dark, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and monitor local media reporting, as well as UK Travel Advice.”
In previous travel advisories, the FCDO advised Britons against travelling to most northern states including Borno, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi states over terrorism. It also warned against travelling to Abia State, non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom and Anambra and Imo states over insecurity.
Britons have been advised to be cautious travelling to several other places across the West African nation over instabilities.
“Incidents of inter-communal violence occur frequently and often without warning throughout Nigeria. Although foreign nationals are not normally targeted, there is a risk you could be caught in an attack. Monitor local government announcements and media reporting.”
The latest FCDO travel advisory was issued days after several countries including Nigeria warned its citizens against travelling to the UK amid violent far-right protests targeted at mostly black and brown immigrants.
Anti-immigrant protesters stormed several British cities after a 17-year-old second generation immigrant, Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, who is of Rwandese descent, stabbed and killed three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport late last month.
Southport mosque, hotels housing asylum seekers and property suspected to belong to immigrants were targeted and burnt by violent mobs calling for deportation of immigrants. People were also assaulted on the street by the protesters.
