This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Civil Unrest/Political Tension (threats by militant group to attack election campaign gatherings). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
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Summary

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

    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.

    Elections are scheduled for April 2011. There may be an increase in political tension and violence during the period surrounding the elections. On 19 October 2010, a militant group threatened to attack political campaign gatherings attended by Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathon.

    On 15 October 2010, a Nigerian militant group said that it planned to carry out further terrorist attacks in Abuja. The authorities have increased security measures in the capital. You should avoid busy areas in Abuja and follow the instructions of local authorities.

    On 1 October 2010, three bombs exploded in central Abuja during the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of independence. The explosions occurred near the Hilton Hotel, the Federal Law Court and the Federal Secretariat. Nine people were killed in the explosions.

    There is a risk of serious inter-communal violence and unrest throughout the country, particularly in the central and northern regions of Nigeria.
    You should avoid all protests, rallies and demonstrations as they may turn violent.

    We strongly advise you not to travel to the riverine area in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers (including Port Harcourt and Bonny Island), Abia State, Akwa Ibom and Anambra States in south-eastern Nigeria because of continuing militant activity, the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks against foreign oil companies and personnel, localised conflict and violent civil unrest.

    If despite our advice not to travel to these areas, you decide to go to or stay in these regions, you should ensure you have adequate and continuous close personal protection from a professional security service. The ability of the Australian Government to provide consular services to Australians in these areas may be severely limited.

        The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a human death from avian influenza in Nigeria. See the Health Issues section below for advice to Australians travelling to or resident in Nigeria.

    Given the unpredictable security situation in Nigeria, we strongly recommend that you register your travel and contact details with us, so we can contact you in an emergency.

    Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
        organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy