Abuja is Nigeria's federal capital and the base for a large international humanitarian and diplomatic community. Terrorism risk, kidnapping on surrounding routes and onward travel to Nigeria's north and northeast define the risk picture.
We provide specialist cover for NGOs, diplomatic staff, business travellers and field teams operating from Abuja.
Abuja is moderate-to-high risk. Terrorism, kidnapping on surrounding routes and field travel risks all require specialist assessment.
Many Abuja-based international workers travel regularly to significantly higher-risk locations in northeast Nigeria. The full operational picture must be disclosed.
Can you get insurance for Abuja?
We provide specialist insurance for NGOs, journalists, diplomatic community staff, business travellers and field teams operating from Abuja. Cover is subject to accurate disclosure of your role, itinerary and field travel.
Security context
The situation
Abuja is Nigeria's federal capital and the seat of government. It is significantly more secure than Lagos in terms of street crime, but it presents its own distinct risk profile. The city sits in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which borders Kogi, Niger and Nassarawa states — all of which have experienced significant armed robbery, banditry and kidnapping incidents in recent years. The town of Bwari, areas around Abuja Airport and several satellite districts including Kubwa and Dutse have been affected by insecurity from surrounding areas.
The terrorism threat in Abuja is real. Boko Haram and ISWAP have conducted attacks in the FCT in the past, including the 2011 UN compound bombing and the 2014 Nyanya bus station bombs. Attacks in Abuja are lower-frequency than in the northeast, but the strategic significance of the capital means it remains a target. OSAC classifies Abuja as high threat for terrorism affecting US government and affiliated interests.
Abuja is also the base for a large international NGO and diplomatic community with operations extending into the north and northeast. Many Abuja-based international workers travel regularly to higher-risk locations in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and the Middle Belt. The risk profile of an Abuja-based role is therefore significantly shaped by the travel requirements of the job rather than conditions in the capital alone.
What to watch
Why it can be challenging
Terrorism threat from ISWAP and Boko Haram
Abuja remains on the target list for jihadist groups. Previous attacks have targeted the UN compound, bus stations and crowded public spaces. International organisations with visible presence in Abuja face exposure to complex attack planning, even if the frequency of incidents is lower than in the northeast.
Kidnapping and banditry on routes from the capital
Highways connecting Abuja to Kaduna, Niger State and surrounding areas have been the site of mass kidnappings affecting commuters. International workers travelling between Abuja and field locations face elevated risk, particularly when using road transport outside the immediate city.
Onward travel risk to the northeast and Middle Belt
The vast majority of Abuja-based international workers have operational responsibilities extending into significantly higher-risk areas. Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Niger State all present materially different risk levels that require separate assessment and insurance planning.
Limited emergency medical response outside established facilities
Abuja has private hospitals — Cedarcrest, National Hospital Abuja — that provide reasonable care. However, capacity for complex trauma and neurosurgery is limited. Medical evacuation to Lagos or South Africa must be planned for serious emergencies.
Emergency support
NGS provides round-the-clock emergency support. In Abuja, this includes coordinating care within established facilities and evacuation planning for serious emergencies requiring treatment outside Nigeria.
24/7 response
Round-the-clock support every day of the year
Medical coordination
Coordinating care including evacuation to Lagos or South Africa
Evacuation support
Managing exit via Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
Case management
Handling the incident through to a safer outcome
Exclusions
This policy is designed to protect people, not possessions.
Cover not included
Activity exclusions
Property exclusions
Threat intelligence
For a deeper understanding of the current situation, including operational risks and regional dynamics, see our threat intelligence hub.
Register in minutes to access your quotes, manage policies, and activate cover. Or use the quick quote widget to get an indicative price immediately.
Cover by profession
Already have an account? Sign in
Quick Quote
Fill in the details below and we'll show you the cost. No account needed to see a price.
Couldn't load occupations.