Australia and Nigerian have been embroiled in a diplomatic scuffle over the past month.
It is unclear what ignited the diplomatic brawl between these two Nations.
However, it is speculated that Australia’s earlier advice to its citizens traveling to Nigeria might have been the cause of the tussle.
Nigeria’s warning comes on the heels of a similar advisory from the Australian government, which urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime risks. Areas highlighted as particularly unsafe included states like Adamawa, Borno, Bayelsa, and Delta.
The warning was contained in a statement issued by the Australian Government and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the country’s website.
Australia’s department of Foreign Affairs sated security concern as a reason for the travel advisory.
In what appears to be a retaliatory action or a sharp rebuttal, the Nigerian authorities have also issued a statement. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also cautioned its citizens against traveling to Cities in Australia.
It cited issue such as reported cases of discrimination, harassment and verbal abuse targeted at foreigners. The foreign affairs ministry also cited cases of unfortunate surge in antisemitism and Islamophobic hate crimes.
The Nigerian authorities encouraged it citizens and travelers residing in Australia to be vigilant and stay in tuned with local news. It also encouraged its citizens to contact the mission at Canberra for assistance.
