Britain yesterday advised its citizens against travelling to several states in northern Nigeria, after an increase in attacks blamed on Islamist militants, Boko Haram and the abduction of several foreigners earlier this month.
Gunmen had on February 16, killed a security guard and abducted a Briton, an Italian, a Greek and four Lebanese workers after storming the compound of Lebanese construction firm, Setraco in Bauchi State.
It was the worst case of foreigners being kidnapped since an insurgency by Boko Haram intensified two years ago.
A report monitored in Reuters, stated that Britain upped its travel risk ratings yesterday, advising against any travel to Bauchi State and Okene in Kogi State where militants last month attacked Nigerian troops who were bound for Mali to counter an Islamist insurgency.
It also advised against “all-but-essential travel” to Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa and Katsina States, a statement from the foreign office said.
Western governments are concerned the militants may link up with groups elsewhere in the region, including al Qaeda’s North African wing AQIM, especially given the conflict in nearby Mali.
France sent troops to Mali last month to help oust Islamist rebels.
Islamist group Ansaru claimed responsibility for the Setraco raid in Bauchi and the Okene attack.