Nigeria

There is a very high threat from terrorism in Nigeria. In the past, international terrorist groups have called for attacks in Nigeria, including against the Nigerian Government.

If you do decide to travel to Nigeria, you should exercise extreme caution. The security situation could deteriorate without warning and you could be caught up in violence directed at others.

Australians in Nigeria should exercise heightened vigilance and personal security awareness, particularly in and around Abuja, near Nigerian government facilities, diplomatic missions, large gatherings of Westerners, hotels, markets and shopping malls, and places of worship.

Reports indicate that terrorists may be planning attacks against industrial facilities in northern Nigeria. Terrorists may also be planning attacks on soccer viewing centres in Gombe.

On 20 January 2012, a series of co-ordinated attacks took place in Kano City. The attacks, which targeted police and other government buildings, killed around 160 people.
A series of bombings and attacks occurred in Nigeria during the 2011 Christmas and New Year period. On 25 December 2011, at least 37 people were killed and many others were injured in an attack on a church in Madalla (Niger State), some 40 kilometres from Abuja. Other deadly attacks occurred in Jos (Plateau State), Damaturu (Yobe State), Gadaka (Yobe State), and Maiduguri (Borno State).

As a result of these attacks, on 31 December 2011 Nigerian authorities announced a State of Emergency in parts of Borno State (Maiduguri, Gamboru-Ngala, Banki-Bama, Biu, Jere), Plateau State (Jos North, Jos South, Barkin-Ladi, Riyom), Yobe State (Damaturu, Geidam, Potsikum, Bunniyadi-Gujba, Gasua-Bade) and Niger State (Suleja). The state of emergency allows for additional security forces in these areas and the temporary closure of the international land borders of these states.

On 4 and 5 November 2011, a series of attacks occurred in the city of Damataru in Yobe state, including at churches and Nigerian government facilities. Over 60 people were reportedly killed.

In late October 2011, a number of violent incidents occurred in Kaduna state, including bank robberies and attacks on police, for which a terrorist group has claimed responsibility.

Following the attack on United Nations House in Abuja on 26 August 2011, media reports suggest terrorists may be planning further attacks in Nigeria and targeting churches, mosques and national institutions. Security has been tightened at many public buildings in Abuja.

There has been an increase in violent attacks in Nigeria since October 2010, including bombings of places frequented by Westerners. Some previous attacks have involved multiple bombings. Continued reporting indicates terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including domestic and foreign government institutions and against Western interests. Targets frequented by Westerners may include major hotels, cinemas, places of worship, bars and restaurants and densely populated urban centres. Locations frequented by foreigners have been attacked in the past and may be targeted in the future, including in Abuja.

Reliable information as of early August 2011 indicates that militants continue to plan attacks on public places in Nigeria, including South African assets in the oil, telecommunications and banking industries. Attacks are likely to occur with little or no warning. Previously, militant groups such as MEND have threatened to attack major infrastructure and industry centres. Previous attacks have targeted public places.

Recent examples of terrorist attacks include:

• On 22 January 2012, two churches were bombed in Bauchi, killing approximately 11 people.
• On 20 January 2012, a series of co-ordinated attacks took place in Kano City. The attacks, which targeted police and other government buildings, killed around 160 people.
• On 25 December 2011, at least 37 people were killed and many others were injured in an attack on a church in Madalla (Niger State), some 40 kilometres from Abuja.
• Three football viewing bars in Jos city, Plateau State, were bombed on 19 December 2011, causing a number of deaths and many injuries.
• On 26 August 2011, an attack on the UN compound in Abuja reportedly killed over 20 people and left many wounded.
• On 10 July 2011, a bomb attack on a church in Suleja on the outskirts of Abuja caused a number of injuries.
• On 26 June 2011, explosions at a bar in Maiduguri killed more than 25 people.
• On 16 June 2011, a suicide car bombing at police headquarters in Abuja killed at least four people and injured a number of others.
• On 31 December 2010, explosions at a restaurant in Abuja frequented by foreigners killed at least four people and injured nine others.
• On 24 December 2010, a series of explosions in the city of Jos in Plateau State reportedly killed 80 people, including some attending Christmas Eve church services.
• On 1 October 2010, three bombs exploded in central Abuja during the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of independence, killing a number of people.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets. These include commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as residential areas, hotels, cinemas, clubs, restaurants, bars, cafes, schools, shopping areas, markets, churches and other places of worship, embassies, outdoor recreation events, public transport and tourist areas. Western economic interests, in particular gas and oil industry installations and pipelines have been attacked in the past, as well as symbols and buildings associated with the Nigerian government such as courts, government departments, army barracks and police stations. Terrorists may use significant dates and anniversaries to mount attacks.

Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Plateau and Yobe States

We strongly advise you not to travel to Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Plateau and Yobe States because of the ongoing very high threat of terrorist attack, the volatile security situation, including ongoing inter-communal tensions, and frequent violent attacks on public places. On 31 December 2011, a State of Emergency was declared in a number of Local Government Areas in these states (see under Civil Unrest/Political Tension for further details). If you are in Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Plateau or Yobe State, you should leave immediately.

Plateau State has experienced increased inter-communal violence and civil unrest, as well as a number of recent terrorist attacks targeting public places. Three football viewing bars in Jos City, Plateau State, were bombed on 19 December 2011, causing a number of deaths and many injuries. In December 2010, a series of explosions in the city of Jos in Plateau State killed at least 80 people , including some attending Christmas Eve church services.

Bauchi, Borno, Gombe and Yobe States have experienced an increase in violent attacks in 2011 and 2012. Recent attacks have increasingly been focused on public places, including bars, markets, hotels, restaurants and places of worship, resulting in a large number of deaths and injuries. On 5 November 2011, attacks in Borno and Yobe states left more than 60 people dead.

South-eastern Nigeria: We advise you not to travel to the states of Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers (including Port Harcourt and Bonny Island), Abia, Akwa Ibom and Anambra in south-eastern Nigeria because of continuing militant activity, the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks, especially against foreign oil companies and personnel. If you are in these areas, you should consider leaving.

Militants have significantly increased their kidnappings of expatriate oil workers and foreign businessmen in the Niger delta region, including from offshore facilities, ships, roads and housing compounds. Hundreds of foreign workers, including an Australian, have been kidnapped, killed or injured in recent years. Militants have warned of further kidnappings. Kidnappings, including of foreign nationals, also occur in other parts of Nigeria. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying a ransom increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) remains active in the Niger Delta region and regularly threatens oil industry infrastructure and personnel. Conflict with the Nigerian police and security forces is always a possibility, despite agreed ceasefires and amnesty programs. We advise you to follow the advice of local authorities and avoid areas where conflict is known to be ongoing.

According to media reports, MEND issued in late December 2011 renewed threats against oil industry infrastructure and personnel.

If you are already in one of the above areas and concerned for your safety, you should consider departing. Ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you're comfortable travelling to these regions knowing that there is a high threat from civil unrest or that you may be caught up in attacks against civilian targets. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to these regions, you should ensure you have adequate and continuous close personal protection from a professional security service.
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria at this time due to the unpredictable security situation, the high risk of kidnapping and the heightened risk of violent political demonstrations and civil unrest.

A number of deaths and injuries were reported at protests during nationwide strikes between 11-16 January 2012. The strike caused disruption to domestic and international flights and other commercial services throughout Nigeria. A number of deaths and injuries were reported as some protests turned violent. While strike action has now been suspended by labour unions, the possibility of further protest activity and disruption remains.

State of Emergency declared in some parts of Nigeria:

According to the Nigerian Government, a State of Emergency was declared in some parts of Nigeria on 31 December 2011 due to the activities of extremist groups. Curfews are in place in some areas subject to the State of Emergency.

Curfews may be imposed or changed with little or no notice. You should monitor local information sources for latest information about curfews and abide by them.

Australians in areas subject to curfew should remain indoors and minimise movements in non-curfew hours to an absolute minimum.

Ongoing risk of political and inter-communal violence across Nigeria:

There were a number of violent incidents before and during the 2011 elections. Media reports indicate that since late March 2011 several explosive devices have been found at political rallies and polling stations. There has been an increase in localised political tension and the security situation in some areas of Nigeria remains fragile.

There is an ongoing risk of serious inter-communal violence and unrest throughout the country, particularly in the central and northern regions of Nigeria. This includes the states of Taraba, Plateau, Adamawa and Benue in the central region and Bauchi, Borno, Katsina, Sokoto and Kano states and the cities of Kaduna, Jos, Kano, Maiduguri, Bauchi and Katsina in the north. In recent years, thousands of civilians have been killed in serious inter-communal violence and civil unrest in these areas, including in Jos in January and March 2010.

Militants have threatened to carry out bombings in Nigerian cities including Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu and Port Harcourt in retaliation for the deaths of hundreds of people in clashes in north-eastern states in July 2009.

You should avoid all protests, rallies and demonstrations as they may turn violent.

Australians in Nigeria should be alert to changes in the security environment and monitor the local media and other sources of information for developments that may heighten existing inter-communal tensions.

The ability of the Australian Government to provide consular services to Australians in these areas may be severely limited.

The security situation in Nigeria is uncertain and could deteriorate without warning. Australians could be caught up in violence directed at others. If you do decide to travel to Nigeria, you should exercise extreme caution.

There is a high level of serious crime throughout Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent assault, armed robbery, banditry, rape, and carjacking are prevalent across Nigeria. You should pay strict attention to your personal safety and security at all times.

Crime increases at night in most areas, particularly in Lagos and on highways. We strongly advise you not to travel after dark. The number of authorised and unauthorised checkpoints in city centres also increases at night and requests to pay on-the-spot fines are not uncommon.

The incidence of kidnapping outside of the south-east has increased across Nigeria. Recent incidents include the targeted kidnap of foreigners in Abia and Kebbi States and in Abuja. In 2010, two German nationals and two French nationals were kidnapped in Abia State. In 2011, an Israeli citizen was kidnapped in Abuja and two foreigners kidnapped in Kebbi State (UK and Italian citizens). Most kidnappings are financially motivated, with the victims being held for ransom.

There is a high risk of crime in and around the international airport in Lagos, on the roads between the airports in Lagos, Abuja and other urban centres, and when travelling unaccompanied in taxis or on public transport. Assaults and robberies are common on public transport. Prearranged collection/drop off at airports and hotels by someone who known to you or whose identity you can verify will help to minimise the risk. Criminals have been known to pose as police or military personnel and bogus greeters at the airport.

Visitors have been abducted and robbed when collected from their hotel by criminals claiming to represent a company where the visitor has an appointment. Ensure that you can verify and identify who you are meeting and where. Avoid meeting in places on the outskirts of urban centres. You should question any last minute changes in arrangements and should not disclose personal information unnecessarily. To minimise the risk, you should make your own arrangements with a reputable hire car company or hire cars with drivers as offered by most major hotels.

Due to the very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.

Commercial and internet fraud: Commercial and internet fraud is prevalent and often originates in Nigeria. Victims have been defrauded and those who travel to the originating country have had their lives endangered. Some have been killed. You should closely scrutinise all commercial ventures and job offers that originate from Nigeria from people unknown to you and not send money until proper checks are made. Criminals have been known to seek details of 'safe' bank accounts overseas in which to transfer large sums of money (as a donation or for a percentage of the amount involved). They may also provide fake cashier cheques for 'urgent' shipments of large quantities of goods, request sizeable fees for a fake Nigerian government contract or to supply crude oil and extort money from individuals they have convinced to travel to Nigeria for a business opportunity. If you are a victim of a Nigerian financial scam, we advise you to obtain legal advice and not to travel to Nigeria to seek restitution as there is a risk of physical assault from the perpetrators. Our information on International Financial Scams provides more detail on these types of scams.

If you are travelling to Nigeria, you should inform relatives and friends that they may receive phone calls and emails from bogus hospitals or doctors in Nigeria claiming that an Australian traveller has been injured and money is required to be sent for medical treatment. Your relatives and friends in Australia should treat any requests for money with caution and ensure that the contact is genuine, including emails purportedly sent by you, as this is a common method of extorting money. If they are concerned about you, they should first contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Consular Emergency Centre (see Where to Get Help for contact details). To minimise the risk, you should be careful about disclosing personal information and disposing of personal documents while in Nigeria.

An increasing number of Australian citizens have also been defrauded or had their lives endangered by bogus internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes operating out of Nigeria. These scams typically result from connections made through internet dating schemes or chat rooms. Scammers will often spend months developing an online relationship before asking for money, for example, to enable travel to Australia or for medical costs. Each request is followed by another for ever increasing amounts. When the money is received, the relationship is usually terminated and any chance of recovering the funds is highly unlikely. In some instances, foreigners who have travelled to Nigeria to meet their friend or prospective marriage partner have been kidnapped and held to ransom, assaulted and robbed.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. However, Nigeria is a cash economy and the use of ATM and credit cards is not recommended due to the prevalence of fraud. You should carefully consider when and where to use your cards or access internet banking. Facilities for changing travellers' cheques are limited.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Airline and air charter safety and maintenance standards vary throughout the world. It is not known whether maintenance procedures and safety standards on aircraft used on internal flights are always properly observed or whether passengers are covered by airline insurance. Following a series of crashes, there are also concerns about the safety and reliability of some airline companies operating domestic flights within Nigeria.

Domestic flights are often delayed or cancelled at short notice.

For further information, please refer to our Aviation Safety and Security travel bulletin.

Travellers should behave and dress conservatively outside large urban areas, especially in the central and northern regions of Nigeria.

Islamic Sharia Law has been introduced in some states in the north and is being increasingly enforced.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims. You should take care not to offend.

Australian-Nigerian dual nationals between the ages of 18 and 30 may be required to undertake the National Youth Service Corps program. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Nigeria for further information.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.

The rainy season extends from May to October when some roads may become impassable.

The dry season extends from November to April. During this period, central and northern Nigeria may be affected by Harmattan, a seasonal wind which blows a high amount of sand and dust in the air. Visibility may be severely limited.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.