Australia warns against travel to 26 states in Nigeria
Australia warns against travel to 26 states in Nigeria
Australia has expanded its travel advisory for Nigeria, urging its citizens to reconsider travel to 26 of the country’s 36 states. The updated warning — published on the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller platform — highlights serious risks posed by terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime and the potential for civil unrest. This development has implications for international visitors, diaspora travel and perceptions of safety in Nigeria.
The advisory stresses that the security situation across much of Nigeria is volatile and unpredictable. It advises Australians and Australian residents to rethink any need to travel to Nigeria, noting that terrorism remains a significant threat nationwide. According to the warning, attacks by militant groups continue in several regions, and markets, transportation hubs, places of worship, hotels and government facilities may be targeted. Besides terrorism, kidnapping incidents — including abductions for ransom — are highlighted as a severe risk, with foreigners sometimes targeted for criminal activity. Violent crime, such as armed robbery and other offences, also occurs frequently in many areas. In addition, public demonstrations, strikes and protests can happen suddenly and may escalate into violent confrontations.
The advisory also notes that consular assistance may be limited or unavailable in high-risk areas, meaning that help from embassies or diplomatic missions in emergencies could be constrained.
Australia’s warning specifically lists the following locations as high-risk: Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara states. It also includes the Federal Capital Territory, excluding central Abuja. The breadth of this list reflects widespread security concerns affecting many different parts of the country.
This advisory aligns with travel guidance from other countries that have also expressed concern about security conditions in Nigeria. For example, the United States government previously advised citizens to avoid travel to multiple Nigerian states because of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime and inconsistent access to health services. The United Kingdom’s Foreign Office has similarly warned British nationals against travel to certain states, citing threats from extremist groups, kidnappers and armed robbers. Canadian travel advisories have also classified Nigeria as high-risk for non-essential travel due to escalating threats in various regions. These international warnings illustrate ongoing insecurity linked to insurgent activity in the North-East, armed banditry in the North-West, separatist tensions in the South-East, and criminality in urban areas and the Niger Delta region.
Travel advisories like Australia’s are tools used by governments to help citizens make informed decisions about their travel plans and to highlight risks that may affect personal safety abroad. These advisories are not outright bans but strongly recommend that travellers reassess plans and take extra precautions if travel is deemed necessary.
For people considering traveling to Nigeria, especially from abroad, the fluctuating nature of security conditions means it’s important to check official government advisories regularly, seek up-to-date local information and understand that risks may vary significantly between different states, cities and rural areas. Registration with one’s embassy or consulate and staying alert to local developments can help improve preparedness in case of emergency.
Australia’s expanded travel warning reflects the seriousness of the security challenges across much of Nigeria, even as the country continues to be known for its rich culture, dynamic population and economic potential. Prospective visitors and diaspora travellers should weigh these warnings carefully, plan responsibly, and prioritize safety in their travel decisions.
