₦airaland Forum

By : Chidinma Enweani


There has been a concerning surge in abductions nationwide. Over the past decade, the Nigeria Security Tracker has documented over 19,366 cases in 2,694 incidents. These attacks on helpless citizens affect everyone across all regions North-East, South-South, North-Central, North-West, South-West, and South-East, due to terrorist activities, militants, and other armed groups. The affluent are no longer the sole targets; kidnappers target everyone, including employees, students, and children, regardless of wealth.

While security agencies are working to combat these threats, every citizen must take responsibility for their safety. You do not need to live in fear, but you must be proactive. Criminals often look for targets who are predictable, distracted, or flashy to prey on.

Here are some safety tips to help you stay safe and avoid being a target.


Vary your routine

Never take the same route to work or the market every day. Change your timing and paths frequently to stay unpredictable.


Keep emergency contact information handy

People should always be prepared for emergencies and have access to important phone numbers, including those of security operatives. These numbers can be used to report suspicious activity and ensure a swift response. It is also important to have the contact information of family members for reassurance and support during times of crisis.

The location mode feature on mobile phones can be extremely useful in emergency situations, allowing individuals to share their real-time location with trusted contacts or emergency responders.


Identify threats and report them

If you find yourself in a situation where you are being targeted for kidnapping, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself.

One effective method is to draw attention to yourself by screaming or immersing yourself in a crowd. Creating a commotion by throwing or breaking objects can also attract attention and deter kidnappers, especially if they are not armed. Report any threats or concerns about kidnapping to the police. Additionally, consider undergoing self-defense training as a way to further safeguard yourself.


Watch your mirrors

If you are driving, make it a habit to check your rearview and side mirrors constantly. If you notice a vehicle following you through several turns, do not go home. Drive directly to the nearest police station. Never reveal your home address to potential trackers.


Listen to local news

Developing the habit of staying informed about local news through listening and reading is highly recommended in order to be aware of areas where kidnappings occur frequently. Stay updated on current news, especially when traveling or passing through certain regions, as it enables you to respond appropriately.


Avoid late-night movement

Avoid unnecessary travel or outings late at night. If you do not have a car, ensure you are home before dark.


Avoid suspicious transport

Do not board public transport that looks empty or has individuals who make you feel uncomfortable. Use reputable ride-hailing apps instead. Also, always share your live location with a trusted family member or friend when moving across town.


Use the head-up rule

Never walk while staring at your phone. Keep your head up to scan your surroundings for any potential danger.


Trust your instincts

If a place or person gives you a “bad feeling,” leave immediately. Do not worry about being polite; your safety comes first.


Secure your gate

Before entering or exiting your home, take a moment to scan the street for loitering strangers or suspicious parked vehicles.

Always keep your phone charged
Ensure your phone is always charged and has enough credit to make emergency calls.


Avoid flashy life

Avoid flaunting wealth or wearing expensive jewelry that draws unnecessary attention to you in public.


Be discreet about finances

Do not discuss large sums of money or business deals in public spaces or over the phone in crowded areas.


Limit social media sharing

Do not post your real-time location or daily schedule. Avoid sharing photos that reveal your house, office, or school uniforms.


Vet domestic staff

Perform thorough background checks on housekeepers, drivers, and other employees before hiring them.


Know your neighbours

Build a good relationship with your neighbours so you can easily spot if something unusual is happening in your area.


Don’t be a hero

If you are confronted, remember that your life is worth more than your phone, bag, or car. De-escalate and comply to survive.


Avoid dark shortcuts

Always choose well-lit, busy paths. Avoid lonely alleys, even if they are shorter.


Stay observant

Be an investigator in your own life. Notice who is always hanging around your street or workplace and report suspicious activity to local security. Safety is not about luck; it is about being prepared. By staying alert, you protect not just yourself, but your loved ones as well.


Keep car doors locked

Always keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up, especially when in slow-moving traffic or at traffic lights.

CodeTemplar:
Islam entered Northern Nigeria early through trans-Saharan trade and state-level adoption, while in Yorubaland, it spread gradually through peaceful Malian traders, often coexisting with traditional beliefs. The Northern spread became defined by the 19th-century Sokoto Jihad, whereas the Yoruba experience remained highly syncretic and flexible.Northern NigeriaEntry Method (11th–14th Centuries): Islam was introduced via North African traders into Kanem-Borno and later by the Wangarawa scholars into Hausaland.State Integration: It became closely tied to political leadership and statecraft. By the 15th century, figures like King Muhammad Rumfa of Kano actively institutionalized Islamic rule.The Sokoto Jihad (19th Century): To eradicate syncretism and reform the religious practices of the Hausa states, Usman dan Fodio launched a jihad in 1804. This solidified a dominant Islamic theocracy that defined Northern identity, law, and culture.

We4all:
Imagine having to go through all these stress just to protect ourselves from our fellow human being who didn't give us the life we are living...

The truth is, the kidnappers have an upper hand because we are too cowardly. What is happening in Nigeria can be likened to what bullies do. Show a bully your weak side, and they will continue to pick on you.

I once read about a Mexican woman whose husband was kidnapped. She didn't beg or negotiate. In less than 24 hours, the mother of the guy who kidnapped her husband became her hostage. The deal was simple: Release my husband, and I will let your mother go. What proceeded was an exchange and everybody went their separate ways.

Perhaps the time has come for Nigerians to take laws into their hands. But the problem is, Nigerians are the greatest cowards and traitors on the continent. They are not ready to sacrifice and will snitch on their fellow brothers who are daring.

Some are even willing to sell out their neighbours to bandits for blood money, and won't mind sharing ransom money with them. I heard they have already started sharing the money with these kidnappers who had the audacity to do give away recently on Tik Tok. The fact that some Nigerians dropped their account details shows how messed up and unserious Nigerians are.

Mattswaggz:
Get your PVC ready and vote out th

ijustdey:
https://guardian.ng/featured/20-security-tips-that-could-help-you-stay-off-kidnappers-radar/

AntiChristian:
So how is this related to this thread?

AntiChristian:
May God protect us! We are the problem of ourselves!

SeverusSnape:
He's trying to tell you that your religion is the cardinal cause of these kidnappings.

Mattswaggz:
Lol....after giving your brains and hands...He should come down from heaven and protect you too right....I wonder when you guys will wake up. .

ohosi4real:
Na God just dey safe us from this country not what you list here. If God no dey ur side. If dey want see you dey will see. Na prayers dey help us

AntiChristian:
I will vote either Hashim or Atiku. Say no to Obi.

Is that OK to you?

Or you are here to force Obi on us?

AntiChristian:
So IPOB, unknown gunmen and the South east kidnappers are also Muslims?

Na so una bias dey show!

Mattswaggz:
I am here for whomsoever will put the country above personal interest first and put an end to this menace.....who's Hashim by the way?.

SeverusSnape:
Your religion is a terrorist religion. What's My concern with your ipob?.