anada has flagged Nigeria as a high-risk destination for its citizens, citing escalating insecurity, terrorism, and political instability across much of the country.
In a travel advisory, Global Affairs Canada has advised travelers to “Avoid All Travel” or “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” to affected nations, following a comprehensive risk assessment.
Canadians are told to avoid all travel to South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Libya, Mali, Niger, Somalia, and Sudan. Countries under “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” include Madagascar, Ethiopia, Burundi, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Mauritania, Nigeria, and Tanzania. Travelers are urged to carefully weigh the necessity of their trips due to risks of violence, crime, and unrest.
In Nigeria, all regions, including Abuja, are considered high-risk due to terrorism, kidnappings, armed attacks, and inter-communal clashes. While Calabar and Lagos are considered relatively safer, visitors are still advised to exercise heightened caution.
High-risk areas include:
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Northwest: Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara
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Northcentral: Plateau, Niger, Kogi
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Northeast: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Taraba, Yobe
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Niger Delta: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt, where only non-essential travel is advised)
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Border regions: Within 10 km of Cameroon, Niger, and northern Benin
The advisory also warns of frequent violent crimes nationwide, including armed robberies, home invasions, carjackings, and assaults, urging travelers to remain vigilant at all times.
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