November 10, (THEWILL) — Against the backdrop of the ongoing diplomatic row between the United States of America and Nigeria over the framing of terror-related deaths in the latter, the Presidency and the United Kingdom on Sunday took divergent views on the matter.
While the Presidency claimed that terror-related deaths had reduced significantly to 81 per cent since 2015 in the wake of “improved counter-insurgency operations and stronger collaboration between security agencies and affected communities,” the UK maintained that many states in the Nigeria have become unsafe due to “escalating insecurity, violent crime, terrorism, and kidnappings across multiple regions.”
In a statement headlined, “The Security of Nigeria is Non-Negotiable”-@official BAT and posted on its official X account on Sunday, the Presidency said more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year, while over 124,000 fighters and their dependents surrendered to the authorities.
It added that more than 2.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned home, with reconstruction efforts ongoing in previously affected communities under the Federal Government’s Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict.
“Since 2023, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through enhanced inter-agency cooperation, has vigorously pursued, arrested, eliminated or successfully convicted terrorists and insurgents, especially those responsible for some of the most heinous attacks on Nigerian territory,” the statement read.
It further said that over 124 terrorists and insurgents have been convicted since 2024, while others, including members of the Ansaru leadership and suspects linked to the 2022 Owo Church bombing and the Yelwata (Benue) reprisal attacks, are currently facing trial.
“As of 2025, Nigeria has witnessed an 81 per cent decrease in terror-related deaths since 2015, a pointer to enhanced counter-insurgency operations and better collaboration between our National security architecture and with affected communities. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year, and over 124,000 fighters and dependents have surrendered to the authorities,” the statement added.
The statement further highlighted ongoing joint security task force operations, enhanced border patrols, victim compensation initiatives and intelligence partnerships with regional and international allies as part of the government’s broader strategy to protect lives and strengthen national security.
In its interpretation of the situation, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office issued a fresh warning against travel to parts of Nigeria, citing escalating insecurity, violent crime, terrorism, and kidnappings across multiple regions.
In its latest Foreign Travel Advice published on GOV.UK on Sunday, the agency stated, “Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all the regions of Nigeria.”
The advisory urged British nationals to exercise extreme caution, review safety procedures and ensure they have contingency plans in place.
The UK agency advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, citing a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings.”
The statement warned that “humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.”
In addition, the UK government advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory.
The agency said, “Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city.”
It added that “British Government staff in Nigeria have been advised to restrict travel to an area broadly within the Abuja metropolitan area.”
Protests in Abuja were also noted as potential flashpoints.
“There are protests in Abuja from time to time, which can turn violent. Monitor local media, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and follow instructions from local police and security forces,” it added.
The advisory paints a particularly alarming picture of the North-East region, where “regular military operations are ongoing in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states” and there remains “a risk of retaliatory attacks.”
Those in Maiduguri were cautioned that “if security were to deteriorate any further, it could be extremely difficult for you to leave the city.”
In the South-East and South-South regions, the UK agency warns against all travel to “the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.”
The agency stated that “militant groups are active across the Niger Delta region and have carried out many attacks on oil and gas infrastructure.”
It further cautioned that “there’s a high risk of armed robbery, criminality and kidnap” in the region.
The advisory also raised concern over “secessionist groups active in the south-east,” noting that “attacks and violent clashes often occur with the military and other security forces” and warning travellers that “although foreign nationals are not normally targeted, there is a risk you could be caught in an attack.”
In the South-West, including Lagos, the government described violent crimes such as “mugging, kidnapping, car-jacking and armed robbery” as “common, particularly in the larger cities.”
While large-scale terrorist attacks are rare, “Islamic State West Africa claimed two attacks in 2022,” though none targeted foreign nationals.
Travellers were advised to “be cautious when travelling in Lagos, particularly on the mainland,” and to avoid moving around at night.
The UK agency concluded its guidance by urging anyone currently in high-risk areas to “be alert and take any security advice given by your hotel, employer or your hosts,” and to “make sure your safety procedures and contingency plans are up to date.”
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges over the past decade, driven by a combination of terrorism, banditry, separatist movements and communal conflicts.
THEWILL recalls that the Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009 in the North-East, has evolved into a prolonged humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and destabilising the region.
Despite claims of territorial gains by the Nigerian military, splinter groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, continue to launch deadly attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and aid workers, particularly in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
In the North-West and parts of the North-Central regions, bandit groups have grown increasingly carrying out mass abductions, extortion, and cattle rustling.
Meanwhile, the South-East has seen rising tensions linked to separatist agitation by groups, particularly the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, calling for the restoration of Biafra. This has led to frequent clashes with security forces, enforcement of sit-at-home orders, and targeted killings.
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