The Government of Canada has raised a major security alarm over Nigeria, issuing a strong advisory that places the country in the high-risk category for travellers.
The update, released on Wednesday, urges Canadians to avoid all non-essential trips to Nigeria due to what it described as a rapidly deteriorating security climate.
In the notice, Canadian authorities explained that the warning was triggered by a surge in violent incidents across several regions.
The government noted that Nigeria is currently grappling with a mix of threats—terror attacks, bandit raids, armed kidnappings, communal violence, and organised crime—creating an environment that has become increasingly unpredictable for foreigners and residents alike.
The advisory places Nigeria among countries considered most dangerous for Canadian travellers, signalling a significant shift in Canada’s global security ranking.
Canadian officials said the decision followed a broader review of security conditions in Africa, where instability has grown sharply in recent years.
Beyond Nigeria, the government also listed a number of African nations facing similar or even more severe risks, but Nigeria’s inclusion stood out due to its size, population, and regional importance.
Canada said the pattern of escalating violence—especially in the North and parts of the Middle Belt—played a central role in its decision.
While the entire country was flagged for caution, Canada made a clear distinction in its assessment.
Many northern and central states were categorised as high-danger zones where Canadians are advised to avoid all travel.
These areas include Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara in the Northwest; Niger, Plateau and Kogi in the North-Central; as well as Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Taraba and Yobe in the Northeast.
The Niger Delta also featured prominently on the list. According to the advisory, insecurity in that region remains volatile, with incidents of armed attacks, kidnappings, and communal clashes still common.
Canada therefore advises against travel to Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers states. Port Harcourt, however, received a slightly milder caution, with Canadian travellers asked to avoid non-essential trips rather than stay away completely.
Despite the widespread warnings, the advisory made two notable exceptions: Lagos and Calabar.
Canada said travellers may visit these cities but must do so with a “high degree of caution,” stressing that even relatively safer locations still carry significant risks.
The government also warned that extremist networks continue to spread across parts of the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, contributing to insecurity in neighbouring states and spilling over into Nigeria’s border areas.
It urged Canadians already in Nigeria to remain alert, restrict unnecessary movement, and follow updates from local authorities.
The travel notice emphasised that security challenges in Nigeria are evolving quickly, and situations can change with little or no warning.
As a result, the government encouraged citizens to maintain emergency plans and ensure they can leave at short notice if conditions worsen.
