The Government of Canada has issued a new travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Nigeria, including the federal capital, Abuja, due to a worsening and unpredictable security landscape marked by terrorism, armed attacks, crime and frequent kidnappings.
Released on Monday, the advisory warns that although security risks are elevated nationwide, several regions are now so volatile that Canadians are urged to avoid all travel. The only exceptions to the broader warning are the cities of Lagos and Calabar, where travellers are instead advised to exercise a high degree of caution.
Large parts of northern and central Nigeria continue to experience sustained instability driven by extremist violence, banditry and inter-communal clashes.
The government specifically lists the northwestern states of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara; the northcentral states of Plateau, Niger and Kogi; and much of the northeast, including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Taraba and Yobe.
The Niger Delta region also remains tense. Canada advises avoiding all travel to Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers states. While Port Harcourt is not under a complete travel ban, the advisory recommends avoiding all non-essential trips to the city due to the risk of unrest and violent crime.
Border areas are flagged as particularly hazardous. The advisory warns Canadians to stay at least 10 kilometres away from Nigeria’s borders with Cameroon, Niger and northern Benin, citing ongoing cross-border militant activity and organised criminal operations.
The Canadian government notes that terrorist attacks can occur without warning and often target public places, government buildings and areas frequented by foreigners. Kidnappings for ransom affecting locals and international visitors alike remain widespread and unpredictable.
With the update, Nigeria is classified among the world’s highest-risk destinations for Canadian travellers. The government advises Canadians already in the country to remain extremely vigilant, restrict unnecessary movement and closely monitor local media for emerging threats.
