Travel Guide – AMIWEST

Issued by AMI-WEST- The Western Nigeria Anti-Crime Research and Intelligence Group

At home

Be alert of potential risks in Nigeria: Kidnapping, terrorism, ritual killing, violent attacks, rape, burglary and car hijack.
Have a rule: Do not keep late nights. If your job comes in the night, go early and leave your office at late dawn. If you must sit out late, do so near your house.
Lock all doors early enough. Ensure your house is well illuminated.
Robbers usually strike from 12midnight to 2am when you will deep asleep.
Have a phone you can afford to put on all night. Save all crucial police lines. Have the numbers of your neighbours and the phone of the DPO and Crime Officers in the nearest police station to your house.
Ensure you have the full body pictures of your house assistants or security guards. Obtain their home addresses and the numbers of their next of kin.
Do not leave your generator on all night-especially from 11pm. It is cold in the night, you should manage the weather. The noise is an advantage to invaders-You won’t know when they enter your house, so also your neighbours would not be aware of any operation in your house.
If your house is invaded, first text the police and your neighbours before making silent calls. You may also throw empty bottles into the road or into the compound of your neighbours to alert them.
Having dogs is good.

If using private cars, service the car and ensure the tyres, break pad battery and other important areas are fixed. If using public cars or buses, go to the car park. Ensure you send the number of the vehicle to your relations before take-off. If the driver over speeds, caution or text the FRSC with details of the plate number and route.
Kidnapping takes place mostly very early in the morning or late evening and in the night. Avoid travelling too early or too late. Avoid travelling in the night.
Ensure you have the telephone numbers of all the Commissioners of Police in the region where you travel.
It is advisable you do not travel with your whole family while it is also wise not to travel alone. Kidnapping one’s wife and children is the height of trauma.
Arm yourself with a knife or dagger hidden in your car. This looks awkward, but it may help. You may also seek a licenced gun. It is important you seek legal knowledge on the use of firearms.
If you are kidnapped, be calm. Your thoughts should be how to ensure you are not killed or armed. Escape is dangerous, but never rule it out whenever you have a perfect chance.
Put on the radio in your car, not music. This will enable you to listen to any emergency security issues.
Ensure your car is always close to other vehicles. When you notice the highway is empty, make enquiries before going further. There may be robbery ahead.
Do not stop on the highway unless in places where you feel safe.
Do not drink alcohol while you drive.