The Australian government has cautioned its citizens against travelling to Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, and 22 other states.
The warning was contained in a travel advisory on the consulate’s website addressed to Australian nationals.
According to the Australian government, “the potential for terrorism, kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest remains high throughout Nigeria.”
Though it entreated its citizens to “research routes and get professional security advice and support before departing”, the authorities urged citizens to reconsider the need to travel to “Nigeria overall, including the capital Abuja and surrounding areas, due to high threats of terrorist attack and kidnapping, the volatile security situation, possible violent civil unrest and high levels of violent crime.”
About the ‘volatile security situation’ in Nigeria, the Australian government said: “Politically-motivated violence, including terrorist bombings and armed attacks on both security forces and innocent bystanders, can occur throughout Nigeria.”
The government also informed intending travellers of the flood situation in Nigeria that has led to the loss of lives and properties over the past few weeks. It implored citizens to read the news to be kept abreast of the situation.
“There have been significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure caused by severe flooding. Essential services may be disrupted. Follow the advice of local authorities and check the media for updates,” the advisory read.
Based on the foregoing, the government advised its nationals to avoid traveling to Adamawa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross Rivers, Delta, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara States.
