Australia condemns recent terrorist attacks in Nigeria

The Australian Government has offered support to the Nigerian Government and condemns the group responsible for the abduction of more than 200 school girls from Chibok in Borno State.

Australia is working closely with Nigeria on counter terrorism to prevent attacks such as the recent bombings that took place in Abuja.

Our nations are both founding members of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum and we are closely aligned in efforts to stop acts of terrorism.

I have asked the head of Counter Terrorism in DFAT to contact the Nigerian High Commissioner in Canberra to raise our concerns and offer our support.

I have also asked Australia's High Commissioner in Abuja to remain in close contact with the Nigerian Government regarding the abduction of the girls.

Threats against the welfare of these girls by Boko Haram are appalling.

Australia welcomes the support pledged to Nigeria by the international community and will continue to work with the Nigerian Government.

Australia joined other members of the United Nations Security Council in April in condemning in the strongest terms the recent attacks committed by Boko Haram.

The Australian Government continues to advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Nigeria given the high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.