There has been a troubling increase in kidnapping cases throughout the country. It's not just the wealthy who are being targeted by kidnappers; workers, students, and even children are also being victimized.
In a recent incident, terrorists abducted eight members of the National Youth Service Corps and their driver while they were traveling on a highway in Zamfara State. The corps members were on their way from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State to participate in the mandatory national service.
Similarly, residents of Kuchiko Resettlement Development Area in Bwari, Abuja, have expressed concern about the rising number of kidnappings in the area.
These kidnappings are happening across various regions of the country, including the North-East, South-South, North-Central, North-West, South-West, and South-East. The perpetrators include Boko Haram terrorists, militant groups, gunmen, and other non-state actors.
According to the Nigeria Security Tracker, over the past 10 years, there have been 2,694 attacks resulting in the kidnapping of at least 19,366 Nigerians.
However, Armstrong Oyeyemi, a security officer with a private firm, believes that while some kidnappings occur randomly, individuals can reduce their risk of being abducted by taking certain precautions.
Assessing your risk level is important. Oyeyemi explains that certain individuals are at a higher risk of being kidnapped and need to be more proactive in protecting themselves. For example, politicians, actors, doctors, humanitarian volunteers, oil industry employees, tourists, and corps members are at a greater risk of being targeted for kidnapping. If you fall into one of these categories, it is crucial to take deliberate steps to ensure your safety and avoid traveling to regions with ongoing conflicts.
When traveling, it is advisable to research your destination thoroughly. If you have to travel through unfamiliar areas, find out about the safety of those places by consulting friends, transporters, or people who are familiar with the route.
Staying informed about local news is essential. Oyeyemi advises that there are certain areas where kidnappings occur more frequently, known as "kidnap zones." If you are traveling through or to these areas, it is important to stay updated with news reports so you can take appropriate precautions or change your travel plans if necessary.
Scrutinizing employees is also important. Some kidnappings are orchestrated by employees within an organization or among fellow staff members. Conducting background checks on individuals before employing them and ensuring their family members or guarantors are known and can be contacted is crucial.
Being discreet online is another precautionary measure. Oyeyemi warns against flaunting luxury possessions on social media, as kidnappers may target individuals for extortion purposes. It is important to be mindful of the information shared online, especially if adequate personal security measures are not in place. Additionally, revealing one's location unnecessarily can make a person more vulnerable to kidnapping.
Keeping emergency numbers readily available is vital. Having the contact information of security operatives and family members can be useful in case of any suspicious activity. Enabling location services on mobile phones can also be helpful in emergencies.
Reporting threats is crucial. If you receive threats, particularly related to kidnapping, it is important to report them to the police. Drawing attention to yourself in the event of a targeted kidnapping, such as by screaming or creating a commotion, can deter kidnappers who are not armed. Undergoing self-defense training can also help individuals protect themselves.
