Australia issues strong travel advisory against non-essential visits to Nigeria

The Australian government has issued a stern warning to its citizens, advising against non-essential travel to Nigeria due to heightened security risks.

According to a report by Channels TV, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) highlighted concerns including terrorism, kidnapping, and potential civil unrest. The advisory emphasized that militant groups pose a significant threat, with a high likelihood of terrorist attacks targeting both local and foreign interests.

DFAT cautioned that public spaces such as hotels, markets, transportation hubs, and areas hosting large gatherings may be targeted. The advisory specifically mentioned numerous states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where security conditions remain precarious.

The statement read:
“Reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria overall due to the volatile security situation and threat of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and the risk of civil unrest.

“There’s a high risk of terrorist attacks across Nigeria by various militant groups. Attacks could be indiscriminate or may target foreign interests.

“Potential targets include places where crowds gather, such as hotels, bars, restaurants, political meetings, government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, sporting events, transport hubs and networks, law enforcement facilities, international organizations, and camps for displaced people.”

The advisory listed states considered unsafe for travel, including Adamawa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the Federal Capital Territory.