The Federal Government has assured Nigerians and foreign nationals of continuous progress in strengthening national security, following a new travel advisory issued by the United Kingdom.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) recently warned its citizens against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara States, citing concerns over terrorism, kidnappings, and violent attacks.
It also advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, and parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Reacting to the advisory, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told The Punch on Sunday that while the government recognises ongoing security challenges in some regions, “concerted efforts are being made to address them.”
According to Idris, President Bola Tinubu has recently restructured the country’s security architecture, increased investments in modern military equipment, and enhanced intelligence and surveillance operations.
“Our security challenges will soon be a thing of the past. We want to assure both Nigerians and foreign nationals that security in our cities and communities is steadily improving,” Idris stated. “The government remains committed to ensuring that everyone in Nigeria is safe as we continue to implement more effective security measures.”
States Dismiss UK Advisory as Misleading
The Gombe State Government has criticised the UK advisory, describing the inclusion of the state among high-risk areas as “unfounded and unfair.”
In a statement on Sunday, the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House Gombe, Ismaila Misilli, maintained that Gombe remains one of the most peaceful and stable states in Nigeria.
“We are surprised and disappointed by this classification. Gombe State has consistently been rated by credible organisations and security agencies as one of the most peaceful states in the country,” Misilli said.
He noted that there have been no major cases of insurgency, banditry, or communal crisis in the state in recent years and questioned the criteria used by the UK government in making its assessment.
“We truly wonder what indices were used to arrive at this conclusion,” he added, urging Nigerians and the international community to disregard the advisory.
Similarly, the Kano State Government said while the advisory was routine, it did not reflect the current security reality in the state.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mustapha Muhammad, explained that security agencies have intensified operations and strengthened collaboration with the military to safeguard the state.
“In the areas mentioned, our security forces are working tirelessly to contain any threats. Special deployments have been made, particularly along border communities where bandits attempt to infiltrate from Katsina, to ensure the safety of our residents,” he stated.
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