The Canadian government has warned its citizens and residents to avoid non-essential travel to Nigeria over insecurity.

Canada gave the warning in its updated travel advisory of September 21.

“Avoid non-essential travel to Nigeria, including in Abuja, due to the unpredictable security situation throughout the country,” the advisory stated.

The travel advisory cited “the significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings” as reasons Canadian citizens should avoid non-essential travel to Nigeria.

However, the “advisory excludes the cities of Calabar and Lagos, where you should exercise a high degree of caution,” it added.

Canadian authorities, against the backdrop of 48 people killed in Ondo State after consuming drinks suspected to contain methanol, also issued an alert, warning citizens and others travelling to Nigeria against adulterated alcohol containing deadly methanol.

“Casualties have occurred due to the consumption of unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol,” the travel advisory read.

As a precaution for Canadians and residents of Canada visiting Nigeria, the travel advisory urged them to “buy alcohol from reputable establishments and seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick.”