A wise person learns from the experiences of other people. But a fool will wait until he finds himself in trouble. It is no news that there is insecurity everywhere across the globe, particularly in Nigeria, West Africa, as kidnapping is becoming an order of the day.

In recent years, there have been too many kidnapping and murder cases all over the country. People are not safe anymore both in their homes and outside as anyone can be a victim of kidnapping.

Of course, you can be quick to say, “it’s not my portion”. You need to understand that no one that was ever kidnapped or killed prayed for such to happen. It can happen to anyone whether or not you pray against it – or even to people close to you. So, it will be unwise for anyone not to be prepared against such an incident.

In this post, I am going to share a few tips that can help you stay safe in Nigeria at a point where Government security may fail.

Don’t share your residential address online

Except you don’t have an option, do not post your residential address online. Be careful with how you give out your residential address. These people of the dark world can trace your address to assess your worth. And if they see you as a good bait, you are done for! What looks similar is that you should be careful with sharing details about your children or other members of your household online.

2. Do not go to an unfamiliar location (alone)

Do not go to any location you are not familiar with the routes. If you have to, then don’t go alone. If you survive by doing casual or domestic work in unspecified locations, always tell a close family member where you are working each day. Similarly, do not follow your friend to strange places at night in the name of flexing. Everybody is a suspect.

3. Beware of sales bait

Be careful of online sales that demand your presence for a successful deal. Of course, you need to sell your product, but don’t be foolish enough to take the order to the customer’s choice of location. Rather, you can both agree on a popular spot as a meeting point. When going, make sure you inform someone about your movement including the details of the person you are going to meet. Avoid posting goods worth billions of Naira for sale on the internet.

4. Watch your back as you drive

You indeed have to be focused while you drive, but at the same time, you must make use of your side and inner mirrors. Watch your back through the side mirrors. If you notice something strange, like someone is following you, pull up at a busy place and let the car pass. If you can write down the car’s plate number, please do. Notify your family members straight away and wait about 5 minutes. Thereafter, continue with your journey and keep watching for further behavior and act accordingly.

5. Have a security number

Make sure you have the number of a security team or the police station in your area. The police force has some specified rapid response numbers you can call in the case of an emergency. Simply ask for it or you copy online and keep it. When you are requesting this in a local police station, make sure you do that politely, stating your reason(s). You can use the number whenever the need arises – even if you only suspect something threatening.

6. Watch out for unnecessary car parking

If you ever see any car packed in your neighborhood without any sign that the vehicle is faulty, call the attention of other people in your neighborhood to it, or you call the police. It is better to be safe than sorry.

7. Strangers

Kidnappers can come as a stranger needing help. Instruct your family members to always raise an alarm whenever anyone “orders” them to come. Let them understand why it is important they do this with every courage they can muster. Also, do not visit a stranger without the notice of any family members (at least two people).

8. Job scam

With the level of unemployment in the country, it is easier for job seekers to fall prey to any job bait. Before you attend any job interview, make sure you do your background check on the company.

9. Avoid expressing desperation online

Do not express any form of desperation online. Of truth, we all need money, good health, good jobs, etc. However, evil people can capitalize on it to lure you to their then.

10. Think before you act

If you ever hear any gunshot when you are outdoors, don’t panic. Instead, be calm and know the exact direction it’s coming from before you try a SMART escapes.

Source: https://smaqwise.com.ng/2021/11/17/19-top-useful-tips-to-keep-you-safe-from-being-kidnapped/