Manny Ita –
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has updated its travel advisory for Nigeria, warning its citizens against traveling to 26 states across the federation due to heightened risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime. In the advisory released on February 5, 2026, the Australian government categorized these regions under its “Do Not Travel” and “Reconsider Your Need to Travel” lists, citing an “extremely volatile” security situation. The warning specifically targets almost all states in the North-East, North-West, and several regions in the South-South and North-Central zones, noting that the capacity of the Australian High Commission to provide consular assistance in these areas is severely limited.
The advisory explicitly identifies a high threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping, particularly targeting Westerners, aid workers, and those perceived as wealthy. “Terrorists continue to plan attacks in Nigeria. Attacks could occur anywhere and may target infrastructure, public places, or places frequented by foreigners,” the warning stated, adding that “kidnapping for ransom is a high risk throughout Nigeria, with a surge in incidents involving vehicles traveling on major highways.” The 26 states listed include Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger, and various coastal states in the Niger Delta region. For the remaining parts of the country, including Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Australians are urged to “exercise a high degree of caution.”
In addition to security concerns, the Australian government highlighted risks associated with civil unrest and the potential for violent protests, advising its citizens to “avoid large public gatherings and monitor local media for information on potential threats.” The update follows similar security alerts recently issued by other Western nations, reflecting a broader international concern over the recent activities of extremist groups and armed bandits in rural and suburban Nigeria. The Australian authorities concluded by urging any of their citizens currently in the high-risk zones to “consider leaving if it is safe to do so,” stressing that those who choose to stay must maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times.
