In a decisive move reflecting growing international concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security environment, Global Affairs Canada has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Nigeria, including the nation’s capital, Abuja. The advisory, released in November 2025, underscores a wide range of threats including terrorism, violent crime, banditry, kidnappings, and inter-communal clashes that have increasingly destabilized the country. Canada’s warning signals a serious shift in international perception, portraying even previously secure urban centers as vulnerable and unpredictable.
The advisory highlights that while some cities, notably Lagos and Calabar, are not under a full “avoid travel” order, travellers are still expected to exercise a high degree of caution. Authorities emphasized that these areas, though comparatively safer, remain exposed to rising criminal activity, opportunistic attacks, and potential civil unrest. The update marks a significant escalation in Canada’s security evaluation of Nigeria, reflecting a complex mix of internal conflicts, militant activity, and weakening state capacity that threatens the safety of both residents and foreigners.
The Widening Security Threat Across Nigeria
According to Canadian authorities, the warning comes after a careful assessment of incidents and patterns across the country. Northern regions, including Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, continue to experience frequent attacks by armed bandits, often involving mass kidnappings and extortion. In the northeastern states, extremist violence remains persistent, with militant groups targeting public spaces, government institutions, and civilians, causing widespread fear and displacement. The Middle Belt states, including Plateau, Niger, and Kogi, have seen a resurgence of inter-communal violence, often resulting in fatalities and large-scale displacement, while parts of the South-South and Southeast regions, including the Niger Delta, have experienced increased criminal activities related to kidnappings and sabotage of local infrastructure.
The advisory emphasizes that these threats are not confined to remote areas. Even the Federal Capital Territory, previously considered relatively secure, has seen an increase in violent crime, highway banditry, and occasional attacks near key government and diplomatic installations. This inclusion of Abuja highlights the evolving nature of security threats, demonstrating that no part of the country is entirely insulated from danger.
The Situation in Lagos and Calabar
While Lagos and Calabar are not placed under the strictest travel warnings, Canada’s advisory stresses caution for residents and visitors. In Lagos, the largest economic hub of Nigeria, authorities warn of rising urban crime, including armed robberies, gang activity, and opportunistic violence. Public spaces, poorly lit streets, and heavily trafficked transport routes are highlighted as areas where vigilance is necessary. Calabar, while generally quieter, has not been spared from sporadic criminal incidents and the ripple effects of regional instability. Canadians and other foreign nationals are advised to remain alert, limit non-essential travel within these cities, and avoid isolated or poorly secured areas, particularly during nighttime hours.
Implications for Foreign Nationals and Nigerians
The advisory has wide-ranging implications. For Canadians, it represents a direct instruction to reconsider planned travel to Nigeria unless absolutely necessary. Those already in the country are urged to exercise heightened caution, stay informed of local security developments, and maintain contact with Canadian diplomatic missions. For Nigerians, the warning serves as a reminder of the pervasive risks present in many states, emphasizing the need for careful planning and heightened personal security, particularly for students, business travellers, and commuters moving between high-risk areas.
Internationally, such advisories influence travel insurance premiums, corporate security protocols, foreign investment decisions, and the operations of multinational organizations in Nigeria. The Canadian government’s assessment may also prompt other nations to review their own travel advisories, potentially affecting tourism, education, and cross-border economic engagement.
