Canada Issues Sweeping Red Alert on Nigeria, 16 African Nations Amid Surging Terror, Coups and Worsening Instability

Canada has issued one of its most sweeping and hard-hitting travel advisories in years, warning citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Nigeria and 16 other African Countries, citing a rapidly escalating security crisis across the continent.

The advisory-released in the early hours of Tuesday-links the heightened travel risk to a dangerous combination of terrorism, armed conflict, kidnapping-for-ransom syndicates, political upheavals, and spreading extremist networks that have left several African Nations struggling to maintain control.

A Historic Advisory Covering 17 Countries
Canadian authorities split the warnings into two categories:

AVOID ALL TRAVEL
South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Libya, Mali, Niger, Somalia, Sudan
These Nations were described as “extremely volatile,” with active armed conflicts, severe political instability, and expanding extremist cells.

AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
Madagascar, Ethiopia, Burundi, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Mauritania, Nigeria, Tanzania

Canada notes these Countries face rising civil unrest, unpredictable political climates, mass protests, and ongoing violence.

Nigeria Listed as One of the Most High-Risk Destinations
Nigeria’s inclusion in the warning reflects a broad spectrum of threats:

• Relentless extremist attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP in the Northeast
• Out-of-control banditry across North-western and North-central States
• Persistent kidnappings, particularly on major highways and rural communities
• Communal clashes triggered by ethnic and religious tensions
• Piracy and Militancy in the Niger Delta region

Canada warns that “wide swaths of Northern and Central Nigeria remain extremely dangerous,” and outlines specific zones where violence has become entrenched.

Regions Canadians Are Urged to Avoid Entirely

• Northwest: Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara
• Northcentral: Plateau, Niger, Kogi
• Northeast: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Taraba, Yobe
• Niger Delta: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, Rivers

While Port Harcourt is flagged as high-risk, Canada stops short of a complete ban—advising travellers to avoid non-essential trips there.

Only Lagos and Calabar Get Partial Clearance

In a rare exception, Canada notes that Lagos and Calabar remain relatively stable compared to other regions. Even so, travellers are warned to maintain a high level of caution due to rising crime rates, sporadic unrest, and the possibility of sudden security incidents.

Why Canada Is Ringing Global Alarm Bells
Canadian officials attribute the widespread advisories to:

• The expansion of jihadist groups across the Sahel and Horn of Africa
• A wave of Military coups in West and Central Africa
• Cross-border criminal networks smuggling weapons and people
• Weak governance and security forces overstretched by multiple conflicts
• Mass protests and political tensions destabilizing several Nations

The advisory indicates that Africa is currently experiencing one of its “most fragile periods in decades,” with several States at risk of further breakdown.

Canadians in Nigeria Told to Be on High Alert

Those already in Nigeria are urged to:

• Limit movement, especially at night
• Avoid large gatherings, markets, and crowded public places
• Monitor local news and embassy updates
• Prepare contingency plans for emergencies

Canada also advises travellers to ensure they have updated documents, reliable communication devices, and emergency exit strategies.

The updated advisory places Nigeria among the top Global hotspots for Canadian travellers-underscoring growing International concern over security challenges in the region.