There have been reports of civil unrest in Jos. Dusk to dawn curfew now in force. Travellers within and to the city should seek local advice and exercise caution.

There is increased tension in parts of northern Nigeria following clashes between militants and security forces in Bauchi State on 26 July 2009 which has extended to parts of Kano, Yobe, Katsina and Borno States on 27 July. A curfew is in force in Maiduguri between 2100 and 0600. If you are travelling in northern Nigeria you should take extra precautions and avoid crowds. Violence could erupt quickly and without warning.

We advise against all travel to the Niger Delta States of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers (including Port Harcourt) and advise British nationals in these States to leave. This is because of the very high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas.

We advise against all travel to riverine areas of Akwa Ibom State (i.e., the river and swamp locations on or close to the coast accessible only by boat, but not by road). We advise British nationals in these areas to leave. We also advise against all but essential travel to other areas of Akwa Ibom State because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks. We advise against all travel to the area bordering Cameroon in the region of the Bakassi Peninsula. If, despite this advice, you decide to travel to, or remain in these areas, you do so at your own risk.

There is a high risk of kidnappings and other armed attacks in the Niger Delta to ships and oil rigs at sea off the coast of the Delta. Since 2007, there has been an increase in attacks offshore. There is also a risk of kidnapping in other States in Nigeria. Three British Citizens and a Colombian Citizen were abducted 40 km outside Port Harcourt on 12 January 2010 by suspected criminals. A British Citizen was kidnapped in June 2009 just outside Benin City and a Canadian Citizen was kidnapped in Kaduna, in April 2009 by suspected criminals; both have subsequently been released. These cases demonstrate that there is a significant risk of kidnapping in all States.

There have been reports of clashes between demonstrators and police in the northern town of Zaria. The situation is now calm and those wishing to visit any of the Durbars over the next few days should be vigilant and, if necessary, be willing to change their travel plans.