Apparently worried by the rising cases of kidnappings across the country, the Department of State (DSS) has given Nigerians some guidelines on how to avoid being kidnapped.
In a handbook signed by Ahmed Salisu and dated February 20, 2020, the DSS lists several security tips for members of the public, especially VIPs, including dressing moderately and being conscious of one’s surroundings.
DSS Tips On How To Evade Kidnappers:
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Dress Moderately
Dress to avoid being noticed. Do not stand out by wearing clothes and jewelry that are either too conspicuous or culturally inappropriate at vulnerable locations. This could draw unnecessary attention to you.
Be Familiar with Your Surroundings
Identify buildings, structures of importance and other prominent features, such as police stations and military bases. Have adequate information about your places of interest and work locations.
Voice Concerns About Crime
Alert local security agencies of any suspicious activities in your environment for preventive measures, but avoid raising false alarm. Do not wait until you are kidnapped or allow a breach of security to occur before taking action.
The handbook listed other steps to be taken to avoid kidnappers to include, keeping personal itinerary secret, changing routes to place of work and home and avoiding revealing personal data on social media.
Other tips are, doing proper checks before employing anyone, knowing your neighbours and keeping emergency numbers, installing CCTV cameras, maintaining a moderate lifestyle and avoiding discussing financial issues carelessly in the public.
The secret police further advised that in the event of being kidnapped, one should keep calm and try not to provoke the kidnappers, as life would be at stake and also advised family members of a kidnapped victim to consider closing social media accounts of a hostage.
On the issue of ransom, the DSS said paying money to kidnappers by family members to secure the release of a hostage constitute safety risk and logistical challenge, as according to it, experience has shown that people that give in to ransom demand quickly, are prone to future attacks by the same gang.