Is Nigeria Safe? Security, Crimes Against Chinese Residents and Precautions

Nigeria’s overall security risk is high, but it varies greatly by region. Parts of the north-east, north-west and north-central states have active terrorist groups and armed gangs, and the Chinese Embassy advises against going there. In Lagos and other southern states the main threats are criminal: kidnapping and robbery. Risk there is high but can be reduced with sensible precautions.

For Chinese residents, legal risk matters as much as physical safety. Since 2024 Nigeria has stepped up action against cyber-fraud, illegal mining and illegal work, and Chinese nationals have been arrested and jailed.

Risk levels by region

Travel risk levels published by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the Consulate-General in Lagos on 2 September 2026 [1]:

On this list, the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) is in neither the red nor the orange group. Levels change, so check the embassy website before travelling.

Cities with many Chinese residents

• Lagos: orange. The main business hub for Chinese residents and home of the Lekki Free Zone. The main risks are robbery and kidnapping [1][3].
• Abuja: the FCT is not on the red or orange lists. The Chinese Embassy and several large Chinese companies have their headquarters here, generally with armed police guards [1][3].
• Ogun State: the Ogun-Guangdong zone and Abeokuta are orange, the rest of the state red, so plan routes to and from the zone carefully [1].
• Kano: orange. The main business centre in the north; neighbouring Kaduna and Zamfara are red [1].
• Port Harcourt (Rivers State): orange. In the southern oil region, where the MOFCOM guide reports frequent sabotage and kidnapping [1][3].

Main threats

Terrorism and armed conflict

The MOFCOM guide, citing the Global Terrorism Index 2024, ranks Nigeria 6th worldwide, with 565 deaths from terrorism in 2024. Boko Haram remains active in the north-east and was the deadliest group in 2024, while ISWAP activity declined. In the north-central region, Fulani militants clash frequently with farmers [3]. In April 2026 the embassy warned of recent terrorist attacks and kidnappings in several areas with multiple casualties [2].

Kidnapping and robbery

The MOFCOM guide notes frequent sabotage, kidnapping and robbery in the southern oil region; kidnappings and robberies involving Chinese citizens have caused deaths, injuries and losses, and several Chinese contractors working in unstable areas have faced attacks and abductions [3].

Example: according to the News Agency of Nigeria, on 4 April 2025 gunmen ambushed Chinese staff and their police escort on the way to their company in Isuikwuato, Abia State. Two Chinese employees and one police officer were killed; the other Chinese staff and officers were rescued by police and the army [4]. Even with armed escorts, commuting on fixed routes and times carries risk.

Strikes and protests

Nationwide strikes and protests have been frequent since 2023, and Chinese companies have been affected several times [3]. Roads and logistics can be disrupted, so keep supplies in reserve.

Legal risks for Chinese nationals

These cases show that illegal business is itself a serious risk, with long prison terms:

• Cyber-fraud: in December 2024 the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided a seven-storey building on Victoria Island, Lagos, and arrested 792 suspects, about 190 of them foreigners including 148 Chinese nationals, over crypto investment and romance scams [5]. Do not take unexplained “high-pay customer service” or “online operations” jobs.
• Illegal mining: in March 2025 the Federal High Court in Kwara State sentenced two Chinese nationals to two years each for illegal mining, with a fine option [6]. In August 2026 a federal court in Lagos sentenced two Chinese nationals for illegally exporting lithium and copper minerals to 25 years on each count, or a NGN 10 million fine per count [7].
• Immigration status: since August 2025, foreigners who overstay or work illegally face fines, deportation and entry bans [8]. See Nigeria visas and work permits.

Precautions

Companies and sites

• According to the MOFCOM guide, Chinese official premises and large company camps generally use armed police, armoured vehicles, vehicle barriers, bulletproof glass and higher, thicker walls [3].
• As the embassy requires, review security gaps and raise protection; do not operate in red areas, and leave or relocate if already there [1][2].
• For major investments, consider Sinosure overseas investment insurance; keep in touch with the embassy, the commercial office and Chinese chambers, and prepare contingency plans [3]. For zone locations and security, see Registering a company in Nigeria.
• Prepare a strike contingency plan and manage relations with unions and staff [3].

Individuals and shops

• Keep as little cash as possible on hand. Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared when entering or leaving Nigeria [3].
• Vary times and routes for commuting and trips to banks and markets; check conditions before going to orange areas and avoid travel at night.
• Keep copies of key documents and store passport, residence card and work papers separately.
• Chinese citizens in Nigeria should complete overseas citizen registration so the embassy can reach them in an emergency [9].

Health

Malaria is widespread, and Lassa fever, cholera, typhoid and yellow fever are present; medical facilities are limited [3]. Get vaccinations before arrival, keep antimalarials on hand, and companies should follow local health alerts [3].

Emergency numbers

Local police numbers in the MOFCOM guide may change; also save the numbers of your nearest police station and your company’s security lead.

Consular protection

In an emergency such as a kidnapping or robbery, call the police first, then contact the embassy or consulate and your employer [3]. The Lagos consulate covers the 20 southern states; the embassy in Abuja covers the rest [3]. The latest alerts are posted on the Chinese Embassy website. For what consular staff can and cannot do, see Consular protection guide. For a general overview, see Nigeria guide for Chinese residents.

References

1. Nigeria travel risk levels and safety reminder (Embassy of China in Nigeria and Consulate-General in Lagos, 2 September 2026)
2. Reminder to Chinese companies and citizens in Nigeria to strengthen security precautions (Embassy of China in Nigeria and Consulate-General in Lagos, 10 April 2026)
3. Country Guide for Outbound Investment and Cooperation: Nigeria (2025 edition) (MOFCOM / CAITEC / Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, December 2025)
4. Police rescue four kidnapped Chinese expatriates, two officers in Abia (Peoples Gazette (via NAN), 5 April 2025)
5. Sting operation: EFCC arrests 148 alleged Chinese crypto, romance fraudsters (Peoples Gazette (via NAN), 16 December 2024)
6. Illegal Mining – Court Convicts Two Chinese Nationals, Offers Them Fine Option (AllAfrica, 11 March 2025)
7. Court Jails Two Chinese Nationals 25 Years Over Illegal Export of Nigeria’s Lithium, Copper (ThisDay, 1 August 2026)
8. Notice reminding Chinese companies and citizens in Nigeria to regularise their documents (Embassy of China in Nigeria, 24 April 2025)
9. Reminder to all Chinese citizens in Nigeria to complete overseas citizen registration (Embassy of China in Nigeria, 22 April 2026)