The Nigerian government has responded to a recent travel advisory issued by the United Kingdom warning against travel to six northern states due to security concerns.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris stated on Monday, November 10, 2025, that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is implementing enhanced security measures to protect both citizens and foreign nationals across the country.
UK Identifies High-Risk States
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) specifically advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, citing increasing insecurity nationwide.
According to the advisory, the security situation in Nigeria is deteriorating, with elevated risks of terrorism, violent crime, kidnappings, and intercommunal clashes occurring throughout all regions of the country.
Government's Assurance on Security
In his response, Minister Idris acknowledged the security challenges in certain parts of Nigeria but emphasized the government's commitment to addressing them effectively.
"Our security challenges will soon be a thing of the past," Idris declared. "We want to give tacit assurances that we are gradually improving security in our cities and communities. All foreign nationals in Nigeria are guaranteed their safety."
The Minister highlighted that President Tinubu has recently undertaken significant security reforms, including restructuring top security personnel and increasing investment in military hardware and intelligence operations.
Background of Nigeria's Security Crisis
Nigeria has been battling armed groups since 2009, with the security situation in the north gaining international attention following the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok by Boko Haram.
The crisis has escalated over the past decade, with farmer-herder violence in the middle belt region emerging as one of the country's most severe security threats.
Former Senator Shehu Sani from Kaduna state has previously attributed Nigeria's prolonged struggle with banditry and terrorism to corruption within the security apparatus, noting that terrorists appear more hesitant to attack targets in neighboring countries like Niger, Chad, and Cameroon compared to Nigeria.
The Tinubu administration continues to face the complex challenge of ensuring nationwide security while maintaining international confidence in Nigeria's stability.
