The Australian government has strongly advised its citizens to avoid non-essential trips to Nigeria due to ongoing security risks.
According to Channels TV, a warning from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) disclosed dangers such as terrorism, kidnapping, and possible civil unrest as key concerns.
The statement pointed out the high likelihood of terrorist attacks carried out by militant groups across the country. These attacks may target both local and foreign interests in places like hotels, markets, transportation hubs, and public gatherings.
The advisory also cautioned against traveling to specific states, including the capital, Abuja, and many others, where security remains unstable.
The travel advisory 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.”
It further detailed the types of locations that could be at risk, including 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 organisations
Camps for displaced people
The advisory specifically listed 24 Nigerian states to avoid, including the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), due to the unstable security situation. These states are:
Adamawa
Anambra
Akwa Ibom
Bauchi
Bayelsa
Borno
Cross River
Delta
Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)
Gombe
Imo
Jigawa
Kaduna
Kano
Katsina
Kebbi
Kogi
Niger
Plateau
Rivers
Sokoto
Taraba
Yobe
Zamfara
The advisory urged Australian citizens to reconsider traveling to Nigeria as a whole, given the volatile security environment and significant risks posed by terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and potential civil unrest.
