Safety and emergencies

Areas advised against

• Strongly advised against by France (update of 10 July 2026): in the north-east, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa north of the Benue, Jigawa and Kano (except the city); in the north-west, the borders with Niger and Benin and Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna (except the city) and Sokoto states; western Niger State, northern and western Kwara; north-western Oyo; in the south, Bayelsa, Rivers (except Port Harcourt), Delta and Akwa Ibom; the Cameroonian border.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Nigeria, safety

• Advised against except for essential travel (high kidnapping risk): the Middle Belt (Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba…), the south-east (Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Cross River), Ogun, Osun and Oyo outside Ibadan and Abeokuta, the capital territory outside Abuja city, and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari, Kafanchan-Jos and Zaria-Gusau roads.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Nigeria, safety

• Heightened vigilance only: Abuja city, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Lagos State and the motorways between Lagos, Abeokuta and Ibadan.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Nigeria, safety

• The UK advises against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, Zamfara and the riverine areas of the Delta, and against all but essential travel to many other states. Your insurance may not cover you.

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  GOV.UK (FCDO), Nigeria travel advice: warnings and insuranceGOV.UK (FCDO), Nigeria travel advice: regional risks

Terrorism and kidnapping

• The terrorist risk is high (Boko Haram, Islamic State) in the north-east and north-west; French nationals may be targeted. Kidnappings and killings also affect aid workers.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Nigeria, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Nigeria travel advice: regional risks

Crime

• Serious crime is everywhere and kidnappings for ransom are frequent nationwide. Be met at the airport by people you know: kidnappings at airports have occurred. Do not walk, vary your routes, avoid going out at night and do not use screens in the car at night or in traffic jams.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Nigeria, safety

In town

• In Lagos, be extra careful on the mainland, especially on the airport road; Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Banana Island are safer.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Nigeria, safety

• Avoid gatherings, markets, accident scenes and places of worship on sensitive dates; respect curfews and checkpoints.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Nigeria, safety

On the road

• Outside yellow zones, avoid road travel. Between towns: several vehicles, never at night, a security or police escort (MOPOL), and do not drive yourself. Do not use public transport or taxis that are not recommended.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Nigeria, safetyFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Nigeria, useful information

Sea, climate and natural hazards

• Armed, violent piracy affects the coast and offshore waters; recreational sailing must be avoided.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Nigeria, safety

Scams

• Scams of all kinds are common; avoid using bank cards because of the high risk of fraud.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Nigeria, useful informationGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: Nigeria

• Emergency number

  112 for ambulance, fire and police; 199 according to Canada.

  112199

  GOV.UK (FCDO), Nigeria travel advice: getting helpGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: Nigeria· Oct 2, 2026

• Embassy of France in Nigeria

  Passport: France

  French embassy in Abuja; register your arrival.

  European Union Crescent, off Constitution Avenue, Central Business District, Abuja+234 201 343 89 38

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Nigeria, entry and residenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Nigeria, safety· Oct 2, 2026

• Consulate General of France in Lagos

  Passport: France

  Consular services for French nationals; register your arrival.

  1 Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos 106104

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Nigeria, entry and residenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Nigeria, safety· Oct 2, 2026

• High Commission of Canada in Nigeria

  Passport: Canada

  Consular assistance for Canadians (also covers Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé).

  13010G Palm Close, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District, Abuja+234 209 461 2900abuja@international.gc.ca

  Government of Canada, Travel advice: Nigeria· Oct 2, 2026