Canada has issued a heightened travel advisory warning its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, citing a deteriorating and unpredictable security environment marked by terrorism, banditry, violent crime, and frequent kidnappings.
The updated advisory, released on Monday, places Nigeria among Canada’s highest-risk destinations. It notes that while security threats have intensified nationwide, some regions are considered so dangerous that Canadians are urged to avoid all travel entirely.
Only Lagos and Calabar are excluded from the broader advisory, though travellers to both cities are still urged to exercise a high degree of caution.
According to the notice, widespread instability driven by extremist attacks, bandit operations, and communal violence continues to affect large parts of northern and central Nigeria. High-risk states identified in the northwest include Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara. In the northcentral region, Plateau, Niger, and Kogi are listed, along with northeastern states such as Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Taraba, and Yobe.
The advisory also flags the Niger Delta as volatile, urging citizens to avoid all travel to Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states. While Port Harcourt is not fully restricted, non-essential travel to the city is discouraged.
Canada further warns its citizens to stay at least 10 kilometres away from Nigeria’s borders with Cameroon, Niger, and northern Benin due to persistent cross-border militant and criminal activity.
It adds that terrorist attacks can occur without warning, often targeting public spaces, government facilities, transportation hubs, and locations frequented by foreigners. Kidnappings for ransom remain widespread and affect both Nigerians and expatriates.
The advisory urges Canadians in Nigeria to remain vigilant at all times, limit unnecessary movements, and monitor local security updates closely.
