UK, Australia, travel advisory for nigeria
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The governments of the United Kingdom and Australia have issued security advisories, urging citizens to avoid travel to Nigeria over the fear of election-related terror attacks and violence.

The Commonwealth countries issued press statements Thursday, warning their nationals about the risk involved in traveling to Nigeria.

Furthermore, the European Union raised concerns over the tense security situation in Nigeria that could prevent elections from smoothly taking place in certain parts of the country. The EU also expressed doubts over the potential of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System in ensuring a fair electoral process across the nation, particularly in rural areas.

"For a country like Nigeria, elections always have the potential of creating unrest and instability for a country the size of Nigeria, and that is a very dangerous thing not only for Nigeria and Nigerians but for the whole region," said Rudolf Elbling, team leader of the EU support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria phase two program.

In response, the Federal Government dismissed the advisories as false, assuring Nigerians that the country was safe and secure, according to Punch.

In a statement, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) claimed that assaults are likely to occur in Nigeria at any time. "There is a larger risk around religious occasions, public holidays, or election seasons. Attacks are more likely to target crowded areas or symbolic targets, such as religious buildings," it said.

In addition, the Australian government advised its citizens to stay away from any political events and gatherings associated with the election. "We've reviewed our travel advice for Nigeria and now advise 'reconsider your need to travel' to Abuja. We continue to advise 'reconsider your need to travel' to Nigeria overall. Higher levels apply," an official statement read.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, declined to comment on the situation, noting that it is a foreign relations issue. He then affirmed that Nigeria is safe. "Since this is a foreign relations matter, I wouldn't like to comment on it. However, Nigeria is safe, and this isn't the first time that foreign countries are giving such alerts to their citizen," Adejobi said in a telephone interview with the outlet.