The Federal Government has assured Nigerians and foreign nationals that it is intensifying efforts to strengthen security across the country, following a new travel advisory by the United Kingdom warning against visits to several Nigerian states.
In a statement, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the government is “keenly aware of security challenges in parts of the country and is making concerted efforts to address them and make every part of Nigeria safe for citizens and foreigners alike.”
Idris explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recently reorganized top security personnel and increased investments in military equipment and intelligence gathering.
“Our security challenges will soon be a thing of the past.
“We are gradually improving security in our cities and communities. All foreign nationals in Nigeria are guaranteed their safety as the government implements more effective security measures,” he assured.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) had issued an advisory warning against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, citing terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings.
It also advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, and parts of the Federal Capital Territory due to increased risks of violent crime and protests.
Reacting to the classification, the Gombe State Government dismissed the advisory as “unfounded and unfair.”
The Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Misilli, insisted that the state remains “one of the most peaceful and stable in the country.”
“Honestly, this classification of Gombe is unfounded and unfair. We are surprised and disappointed by this inclusion of our dear state among unsafe areas.
“Gombe has consistently been rated by credible organizations and security agencies as one of the most peaceful and stable states in Nigeria,” Misilli said.
He added that Gombe has recorded no incidents of insurgency, communal conflict, or banditry in recent years, stressing that the government continues to collaborate closely with security agencies to sustain peace.
Similarly, the Kano State Government described the advisory as “routine” and urged residents to remain calm.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mustapha Muhammad, said, “The governor has taken proactive measures to address emerging threats, and our security forces are working tirelessly, especially in border areas where bandits attempt to cross from Katsina.”
In Borno State, the Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Zulum on Security Matters, General Abdullahi Ishaq (retd.), said the situation has improved significantly, insisting that “Maiduguri is now safer than Abuja.”
“It is a concern to the state government that the UK warned against travel to Borno, but I can tell you that Maiduguri is safer than Abuja as far as insecurity is concerned,” Ishaq said.
He added that insurgents continue to surrender daily under the “Borno model,” which involves the support of families and community leaders.
While the UK advisory cited ongoing military operations and the risk of deteriorating security in the North-East, it also urged caution in the South-East, Niger Delta, and South-West regions over militancy, separatist violence, and urban crime.
Despite these warnings, the Federal Government reiterated that it is taking decisive measures to safeguard lives and property nationwide, emphasizing that sustained investments in security infrastructure will restore lasting peace and stability across all regions.
