Nigeria is not the safest nation on planet earth and expected, there are security problems in the country as there are in all the nations of the world. There have been a decline in the security situation of the country especially in the last couple of years. Kidnapping, terrorism, crisis etc have been on the increase and while the government and security agents have been working to curb the deteriorating security situation in the country, it will still be very important to be cautious especially while travelling.
This article covers all the safety tips needed for both Nigerians and foreigners traveling within the country. Aside from packing a bag to get on the road, having the necessary knowledge on the security situation of our roads is quite important too.
1. Travel Early
This advice is particularly for those that love traveling only when it is dark. This practice would have been okay some years back but the security situation in the country no longer supports this. If you are traveling by air, you probably don’t need this but for those of us who can’t afford the cost of traveling by air, this advice should be taken seriously. Crime often happens in the dark and criminals love to operate at night. Travel early. Aside from the danger of encountering armed robbers and kidnappers, the vehicle may break down in places that completely unsafe for passengers.
2. Use a registered public transport
This is not a way of trying to advertise a public transport company but for me, it is either Benue Links or nothing. It is advisable you use a public transport that is well known and where your safety is guaranteed. I know that some of us are not always patient enough and often prefer to stand by the road and jump into any available vehicle we see. Please, avoid this practice and you will save yourself from armed robbers and kidnappers.
3. Carry Cash
This might sound funny but please carry cash. Don’t be too smart to carry only your transport fare and feeding money. Nobody prays to encounter armed robbers but we are in Nigeria and traveling by road can expose us to anything. Armed robbers often getting infuriated when you try to play smart. And while carrying cash, learn not to put all your money in a bag. Split the money into different places because anything can happen to the bag and you wouldn’t want to be stranded on Nigerian roads.
4. Have money in your account
While it is important to carry cash, it is also very important to have other means of accessing money. Carry your ATM card or ensure you have your mobile transfer enabled or an online wallet. Charge your phone and ensure it doesn’t die. You can as well go along with a power bank.
5. Don’t carry drugs
If you must take some kind of drugs for your body to function properly, I am going to advise you try to stay away from them while traveling on Nigerian roads. Nigerian roads are littered with check points and if you are caught by any of the law enforcement agents, you will embark on another kind of journey entirely.
6. Ask questions
Don’t just hop on a bus and travel. Ask questions about where you are going. Use Google to know one or two things about where you are headed. Carry out a research on local laws, customs, traditions and norms. Having the necessary knowledge of where you are going will stop you from getting into trouble.
7. Rely on your instincts
Have you ever travelled to a place and you begin to feel uneasy all of a sudden? Maybe you are not comfortable with the way people look at you or the general outlook of the place? Your instincts might be warning you and if possible, leave that place to some other place that is safer.
8. Carry an ID
Don’t travel without carrying a valid means of identification. This ID could be your school ID if you are a student, your national ID or any kind of ID. It is also advisable to travel with only the soft copies of your credentials.
9. Share your location
Except you are eloping, do well to share your location with your loved ones. Your family and friends should know about your movement so do well to keep in touch with them while traveling.
Also, avoid going out or using lonely paths, don’t dress in a way that will attract attention, try to stay sharp and if possible blend in and always have a plan. With these tips above, you should be safe moving within Nigeria.
