Safety in Nigeria varies enormously by region. In Lagos and Abuja the main risks are street crime, scams and road safety. The North-East, the North-West and the riverine parts of the Niger Delta carry far higher risks of terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict. Know your state’s risk level, save the embassy and emergency numbers, avoid leaving town after dark and plan long journeys with a check-in routine.
Nigeria risk levels by area (UK FCDO, Oct 2026)
| Level | Areas |
|---|---|
| Against all travel | Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto; riverine Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River |
| All but essential travel | Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara, Benue, Abia, Anambra, Imo; non-riverine Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers |
| Not listed | Lagos and remaining states |
Key points
- China’s MOFCOM 2025 country guide describes Nigeria’s security situation as “severe and complex”, with frequent kidnappings involving Chinese citizens.
- UK travel advice (updated 16 Oct 2026) warns against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and the riverine Delta areas.
- Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa and others are “all but essential travel”. Lagos is in neither category.
- National emergency number: 112. Lagos also has 767.
- Chinese Embassy helpline: +234 806 337 8795. Lagos Consulate: +234 916 279 1792. MFA global hotline: +86-10-12308 (24h).
The overall picture
MOFCOM’s 2025 guide groups the risks into five types: terrorism by Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, farmer–herder violence in the Middle Belt, kidnapping and robbery nationwide, sabotage in the oil-producing south, and urban crime and fraud. Large Chinese company compounds typically use armed police escorts, armoured vehicles and raised perimeter walls.
Recent incidents show why vigilance matters. In September 2025 gunmen attacked a convoy carrying five Chinese citizens and kidnapped one, and the Lagos consulate issued a safety alert. On 9–10 October 2026 an attack on a construction site on the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway in Kebbi State killed a Chinese worker and two security personnel, and work was suspended.
Risk by region
We could not verify a current 2026 list of areas to avoid from the Chinese Embassy, so the table below uses the UK’s October 2026 travel advice as a reference. Always follow the latest Chinese Embassy and Consulate notices.
| Advice level | Areas (UK FCDO, 16 Oct 2026) |
|---|---|
| Against all travel | Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe; Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto; riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River |
| All but essential travel | Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara, Benue, Abia, Anambra, Imo; non-riverine Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers |
| Not listed | Lagos and other states (ordinary crime precautions still apply) |
For state-by-state precautions, compound security, route planning and what to do in an emergency, read our full Nigeria security guide for Chinese residents.
Everyday risks in cities
- Robbery and theft: carry little cash, skip expensive watches and jewellery, and avoid banks and ATMs at night.
- Card fraud: keep your card in sight when you pay.
- Online and business scams: verify any request involving investment, transfers or job offers before acting.
- Getting around: travel in daylight, keep doors locked and windows up, and prefer drivers arranged by your hotel or employer.
- Protests and curfews: both Lagos and Abuja have seen protests, and curfews can be imposed at short notice.
Our transport guide to Nigeria covers intercity travel and night-driving precautions.
Emergency contacts
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| National emergency line | 112 |
| Lagos State emergency command centre | 767 / 112 |
| Chinese Embassy, Abuja | +234 806 337 8795 |
| Chinese Consulate-General, Lagos | +234 916 279 1792 |
| MFA Global Consular Protection hotline (24h) | +86-10-12308 / +86-10-65612308 |
The Embassy covers the FCT and 16 northern states (including Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto and Kebbi). The Lagos Consulate covers 20 southern states, including Lagos and Rivers. More addresses and official links are on our resources and emergency numbers page.
Health is part of safety
Malaria is a high risk all year round, and you need a yellow fever certificate to enter and leave Nigeria. See our malaria and vaccinations guide, and buy insurance that includes medical evacuation.
Stay on the right side of the law
In October 2026 an official of the Chinese Consulate in Lagos told Nigerian media executives that China will not shield Chinese nationals who break Nigerian law, for example through illegal mining. Valid visas and compliant business are your best protection. Our Nigeria visa guide explains the rules.
Sources
- MOFCOM country guide: Nigeria (2025 edition)
- UK FCDO Nigeria travel advice (updated 16 Oct 2026)
- Chinese Consulate-General in Lagos notice with mission helplines (27 Dec 2025)
- Consular jurisdiction of the Embassy and Lagos Consulate
- Xinhua: MFA global consular hotline
- Global Times: Chinese national killed in Kebbi (Oct 2026)
- ECNS: convoy carrying Chinese citizens attacked (Sept 2025)
- VON: 112 emergency line
- Lagos State: 767 and 112
In this section
FAQ
What is Nigeria's emergency number?
The national emergency number is 112; in Lagos you can also call 767.
What are the Chinese Embassy and Consulate helplines?
Embassy in Abuja +234 806 337 8795, Consulate-General in Lagos +234 916 279 1792, and the MFA global hotline +86-10-12308.
Is Lagos safe?
The UK does not list Lagos in its avoid-travel categories, but ordinary crime such as robbery and fraud still requires precautions.
Which states are the most dangerous?
The UK's October 2026 advice warns against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and riverine Delta areas.
Facts checked: 2026-10-22 · Niriliya Huaren Editorial Team · How we check facts