Borno State lies in the northeast of Nigeria, in West Africa, and its capital and largest city is Maiduguri. It is a region that many travellers approach with caution, and this guide should be read with that in mind before any decision to visit.
The state is best known as the birthplace of the Boko Haram insurgency, a conflict that has shaped its towns, communities and daily life for many years. Because of this, the security situation is the first thing a prospective visitor should consider. Conditions in parts of the state can change, and travel advice from your own government and local authorities is worth checking carefully before you plan anything.
What a visit involves
Maiduguri is the natural base for anyone who does go. As the state capital, it is the centre of administration and commerce for the region, and it offers a closer look at the everyday life of people in the northeast than a passing journey through the country would allow. The city is a place to observe the rhythms of a working urban centre rather than a place organised around sightseeing.
- Plan your movements in advance and confirm current conditions before you set out.
- Travel with someone who knows the area and the local situation.
- Keep to the city and its surroundings unless you have clear, up-to-date guidance.
Borno State is, above all, a region with a serious and recent history. Those who go with informed expectations, respect for local residents and a realistic view of the risks will get the most from it.
