In a recent development, the Australian government issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to reconsider visiting Nigeria, citing concerns over terrorism, kidnappings, and civil unrest.
In response, Nigeria’s Federal Government has advised Nigerians traveling to Australia to remain vigilant, highlighting safety concerns in certain regions.
According to thecable.ng, in the advisory issued on Tuesday, Australia’s department of foreign affairs and trade (DFAT) listed states with high-security risks, including Adamawa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross River, and Delta.
“Reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria overall due to the volatile security situation and the threat of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and the risk of civil unrest,” the advisory reads.
“There’s a high risk of terrorist attacks across Nigeria by various militant groups. Attacks could be indiscriminate or may target foreign interests,” the Australian Government said in the advisory.”
It listed potential targets to include hotels, bars, and restaurants; political gatherings; and government buildings.
‘BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU GO IN AUSTRALIA’
Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson of the federal ministry of foreign affairs, said in a statement that recent events in some Australian cities have highlighted an increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes.
Ebienfa said while Australia is known for its multiculturalism and tolerance, certain areas have experienced a surge in these incidents, coinciding with global conflicts and tensions.
He cited an incident in early December 2024 in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra, where a car was set on fire and anti-Israel graffiti was discovered nearby.
“Reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria overall due to the volatile security situation and the threat of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and the risk of civil unrest,” the statement reads.
“There’s a high risk of terrorist attacks across Nigeria by various militant groups. Attacks could be indiscriminate or may target foreign interests.”
