The United Kingdom has issued a travel warning advising its citizens against visiting several parts of Nigeria due to the potential for renewed nationwide protests.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cautioned that political rallies, protests, and violent demonstrations could occur with little notice, particularly following recent unrest from August 1 to 7.
“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 recommended avoiding non-essential travel to Abuja, Lagos, Borno, Kano, Imo, and other major cities. The advisory highlighted that while protests have subsided, they may reoccur unexpectedly.
Travelers are advised to exercise caution, avoid large crowds, and monitor local media and UK travel advice.
The FCDO stated, “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.’’
“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.
This advisory comes in the wake of several countries, including Nigeria, advising their citizens against traveling to the UK due to violent far-right protests targeting immigrants.
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