Fresh Travel Alert: UK Predicts Potential for Renewed Hunger Protests in Nigeria Again

The United Kingdom has once again cautioned its citizens against traveling to several parts of Nigeria, warning of the possibility of sudden and widespread protests across the country.

In a travel advisory issued on Tuesday, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) highlighted the risk of renewed #EndBadGovernance protests, which may occur with little to no warning. “Political rallies, protests, and violent demonstrations can happen unexpectedly. It is advisable to seek guidance on areas to avoid,” the FCDO stated.

The advisory specifically urged UK citizens to avoid all but essential travel to major cities including Abuja, Lagos, Borno, Kano, and Imo, citing concerns that the recent protests, which disrupted the nation earlier this month, could resurface.

“Widespread public demonstrations took place across Nigeria from August 1 to 7, including in key cities such as Abuja and Lagos. These events led to significant disruptions, reports of violence, and the use of tear gas by security forces,” the advisory noted.

Although the protests have largely subsided, the FCDO warned that they could reoccur with little notice. The advisory urged travelers to exercise caution, avoid travel after dark, steer clear of large crowds and gatherings, and stay informed by monitoring local media and UK Travel Advice updates.

This latest advisory follows previous warnings in which the FCDO advised against travel to several northern Nigerian states, including Borno, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi, due to terrorism concerns. It also cautioned against traveling to Abia State, non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, as well as Anambra and Imo states, due to ongoing security challenges.

The FCDO further noted the risk of inter-communal violence, which often occurs without warning across Nigeria. While foreign nationals are not typically targeted, they may still be caught in the crossfire. Travelers are advised to stay alert, monitor local government announcements, and keep up with media reports.

This advisory comes just days after Nigeria, along with several other countries, warned its citizens against traveling to the UK amid violent far-right protests targeting immigrants.

These anti-immigrant protests erupted in several British cities following the tragic incident where 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.

In the wake of the incident, Southport mosque, hotels housing asylum seekers, and properties suspected of belonging to immigrants were targeted and set ablaze by violent mobs demanding the deportation of immigrants. Several individuals were also assaulted on the streets by protesters.