NewsOnline Nigeriareports that the Australian government has advised its citizens to reconsider travelling to Nigeria due to security concerns.
This Nigeria news platform understands that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) issued the warning on Tuesday, citing threats of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest.
Details of the Advisory
The statement reads:
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“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.”
The advisory noted that potential targets include:
- Hotels, bars, and restaurants
- Political gatherings and government buildings
- Places of worship, schools, and markets
- Shopping malls, sporting events, and transport hubs
- Camps for displaced persons and law enforcement facilities
DFAT specifically urged Australians to avoid travel to Adamawa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross River, Delta, and other states due to heightened risks.
Context of the Warning
The advisory follows recent data from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, which reported 2,235,954 abductions between May 2023 and April 2024. Ransom payments during this period amounted to N2.2 trillion, with an average ransom of N2.7 million per incident.
The North-West region accounted for the highest ransom payments, totaling N1.2 trillion, while the South-East recorded the lowest at N85.4 billion.
Implications
This caution underscores the persistent security challenges in Nigeria and the global concern surrounding them. Travelers are urged to prioritize safety and heed the advisory to avoid potential risks.