Why Is the Australian Government Advising Against Travel to Nigeria?

The Australian government has advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Nigeria because of serious safety concerns. The warning comes as there is a high risk of terrorist attacks throughout the country, which might happen without warning and could target areas frequented by foreigners. 

This advice is especially urgent given the recent statistics from Nigeria’s crime bureau, which reported a very high number of kidnappings from May 2023 to April 2024.

The average ransom payment for these abductions was quite large, indicating a severe security issue, particularly in the North-West region.

The travel advisory specifically cautions against visiting many states in Nigeria, including Adamawa, Anambra, and others, because of ongoing threats of terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. 

Places where people commonly gather, such as hotels, markets, and transportation hubs, could be targeted by terrorists.

This warning is especially timely as Nigeria is currently experiencing a surge in visitors, including many Nigerians living abroad, who have returned home for the festive December celebrations. 

The Australian government strongly recommends rethinking travel plans to Nigeria and staying informed about potential risks in the region.