Australia has issued a travel warning to its citizens, advising against visits to Nigeria due to escalating threats from terrorism, kidnappings, violent crime, and widespread civil unrest.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) highlighted several Nigerian states with severe security concerns, including Adamawa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross River, and Delta.
The advisory urges Australians to carefully reconsider travel to Nigeria due to the unstable security climate, particularly given the growing dangers posed by terrorist attacks, abductions, and violent crimes.
The Australian government stressed the heightened risks, noting that militant groups across the country are responsible for indiscriminate attacks, often targeting foreigners and sensitive locations.
Key potential targets for these threats include hotels, restaurants, bars, political rallies, and government facilities.
In a related development, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pointed out rising concerns over antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes within Australia.
These incidents have surged in recent months, often fueled by global conflicts. Ebienfa referred to a troubling event in December 2024, where a car was set ablaze and anti-Israel graffiti was found in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra.
He emphasized that while Australia is celebrated for its multicultural values, certain regions are seeing an uptick in such hate crimes, and travelers should be vigilant when navigating these areas.
