The United Kingdom has said there is a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria.
It also warned its nationals against travelling to the North-East, citing that the security environment in the region deteriorated in 2018.
Except it is really essential, the UK cautioned its citizens against travelling to Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina and Kano states, among others.
In its foreign travel advice as of December 24, 2018, the British government also observed that protests were becoming increasingly frequent in Abuja as the presidential election in February 2019 approaches.
READ ALSO: Evans trial stalled
It predicted that terrorists were very likely to carry out attacks, especially in the North-East, where most attacks had occurred in the country.
“The Islamic Movement in Nigeria continues to protest in central Abuja, which have been held daily since January 7, 2018. While protests are usually peaceful, they have the potential to turn violent,” the UK government said.
“Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Nigeria. Most attacks occur in the North-East, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe states.”
READ ALSO: Nigerians starved, divided under Buhari – Lamido
The UK also asked its nationals – 117,000 of whom visit Nigeria every year – to avoid places of worship, shopping malls, hotels, camps for displaced people, among others.
It added, “There’s a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria. Kidnap can be motivated by criminality or terrorism, and could be carried out for financial or political gain.
“The security environment in the North-East has deteriorated in 2018 and there is a heightened risk of kidnap. Kidnaps in the North-East have included humanitarian and private sector workers.
READ ALSO: Shiites faction denies allegations of being security threat`1
“There are also reports that Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa (a faction of the sect) are continuing to actively plan to kidnap foreigners.”
