Nigeria retaliates, warns citizens to stay away from ‘unsafe’ Australia

 

Barely 72 hours after Australia warned its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria citing insecurity and potential civil unrest, the federal government has returned the favour.

Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria warned citizens planning to travel to Australia to also take into cognizance the prevailing security situation in some cities of the country.

 

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Nigerian government said the warning became imperative for Nigerian travellers and residents in Australia over “reported cases of discrimination, harassment and verbal abuse targeted at foreigners”.

Ebienfa said, “The unfortunate recent surge in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes in Australia has increased the risk of violence, hence the need for caution.

 

“While Australia is generally known for its multiculturalism and tolerance, incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism have occurred recently in certain areas.”

 

Ebienfa stated that in early December 2024, a disturbing incident occurred in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra, where a car was set ablaze and anti-Israel graffiti was sprayed on nearby buildings.

 

“This event is part of a broader increase in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in Australia, coinciding with international conflicts and tensions.

 

“Nigerians are therefore advised to be mindful of the prevailing cultural and social dynamics to ensure their safety and comfort.

 

“To this end, extra vigilance and necessary precautions are strongly recommended.

 

“Nigerian travellers and residents of Australia who experience or witness any form of racist attack or harassment should contact the High Commission of Nigeria at 26 Guilfoyle St, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Canberra, Australia. Phone: +61262158500. Email: chancery@nigeria-can.org.au,” Ebienfa added.

 

The warning came as a response to the stark travel warning earlier issued by the Australian government, urging its citizens to avoid Nigeria due to a volatile security environment marked by terrorism, kidnapping, and the potential outbreak of civil unrest.

 

Through a statement released, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advised citizens to reconsider travelling to Nigeria, citing widespread insecurity and alarming crime statistics.

 

The statement said, “Reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria overall due to the volatile security situation and threat of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and the risk of civil unrest.”