Flooding: Australian Government Cautions Citizens Against Travelling To Nigeria

The recent flooding that has wreaked havoc in some areas of Nigeria has prompted the Australian government to issue a travel advisory to its residents on Wednesday.

The PUNCH obtained a copy of an Australian travel warning that was posted on the consulate's website.

“There have been significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure caused by severe flooding.

"Essential services may be disrupted. Follow the advice of local authorities and check the media for updates.

“The potential for terrorism, kidnapping, crime and civil unrest remains high throughout Nigeria", it stated.

The consulate warned its citizens to plan their travel and obtain expert security advice and assistance before leaving for Nigeria, if necessary.

Due to the possibility of terrorist attacks and kidnappings, the Australian consulate provided a long list of states in the nation that they want their citizens to stay away from, including Abuja and its surroundings.

“Reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria overall, including the capital Abuja and surrounding areas, due to high threats of terrorist attack and kidnapping, the volatile security situation, possible violent civil unrest and high levels of violent crime.

“Do not travel to Adamawa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross Rivers, Delta, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara States."

The consulate told residents that if they found themselves in the aforementioned states they should consider departing right away or seek expert security advice because their travel security might be difficult to reach.