Security Tips for October 2020

Gradually, the crime of kidnapping however becomes a lucrative business in our country especially in the North Eastern part and on Abuja Kaduna Express Way in particular as shown in this article from the Punch News paper of September 28, 2020 on page 8. What is even worrisome is the fact that the victims in this instance were paramilitary personnel.

Reason for the Crime

Making of huge sums of money through payment of RANSOM for political gains and in the case of Nigeria, to maintain and sustain crime of insurgency.

The threat of kidnapping was initially used as instrument of negotiation with Government by pressure groups like the IPOB, AFENIFERE and the like for political gains.

But it was later used by terrorists groups like the B.H, the herdsmen and by other bandits to generate funds for terrorist activities. Consequently, the wealthier and powerful the target or any member of the family of the victim or his business associates or employer is, the better.
Need for the tips:

• To create awareness
• To provide advise that can help to reduce the chances of becoming victim

The tips here are by no means all inclusive, they are simply ADVISOR, proactive measure and possible actions to take if one unfortunately falls victim of the criminal act of kidnapping.

Suggested Vulnerability Tests

There is need for us to check to see where we are individually vulnerable:

• Are door cylinders or locks changed each time any employee or domestic servant with access severe with the company or home?
• Is there any control particularly in the area of access?
• Has responsibility been fixed to ensure that all doors and windows are locked?
• Are the alarm system and emergency power batteries tested on a scheduled basis?
• Are the alarm codes changed periodically?
• Has responsibility been fixed to assure that alarm system is activated at the proper hours?
• Is the responsibility for security fixed in the home?

Basic Proactive Measures:

Regular security awareness discussions among family members spearheaded by:

• The family Heads or his Assistant
• Security education by departmental Heads or their Assistants of Corporate Organizations, Ministries and Government parastatal.
• Monitoring the news form the print, electronic or social media.

Discussions/briefs should aim at encouraging participants to conduct themselves in a way that can minimize the chances of being victims by sharing from the past experiences as shown by available records. In order words, practicing SAFE CONDUCT AND MODEST LIFE STYLES should be emphasized as measures to minimize risks of becoming victim.

Modest Lifestyle as Diversionary Tactics:

• Keep low profile and manage information about yourself and family members.
• It is important to conduct a random background check on domestic employee.
• Be careful about the group you move with.
• Avoid driving on stationary object like oranges, banana, peels or polythene bags. Nail may have been planted in them to puncture tyres particularly at night and within a solitary area; do not stop, but drive to a safe area first. It is better to loose a tyre than to loose your life.
• It may be necessary for you to change your route or drive into a safe haven, if the suspect blindly copies you.
• Do not offer ride to an unknown person(s).
• Avoid moving at very late or early hours.
• Avoid dark alleys or poorly lit roads at night.
• Use items that comes to your hand defensively e.g. walking-stick, umbrella, belt,-buckle, shoes etc.
• Use some of your natural weapons in case of attack by rapist.
• If not familiar with a place, ask for direction from T/W (Traffic Waders) or uniform personnel.
• When faced with weapons, remain calm and co-operate with your captors.
• Be observant when leaving a banking environment or anywhere sensitive.
• Be very sure of what deals you go into and avoid leaving valuables things in a stationary vehicle.

In the event that you reasonably suspect that you are being trailed or followed, you could contemplate the following actions:

• Slow down or go faster and watch the driver’s re-action
• It may be necessary for you to change your route or drive into a safe haven, if the suspect blindly copies you.

Target Victim:

In the past, it used to be top executives in the oil industry and their family members but now it can just be anybody. Politicians, entertainment and sport personalities, Bankers and other professionals.
However, the spectrum of targets later evolved to just anybody from whom the terrorist could generate enough money to promote their criminal activities.

Survival tips in the event of being Victim:

• Avoid struggling with your captors or attacker, try as much as possible to be calm.
• Avoid any heroic act if it is not safe to do so while in their custody, the consequence could be fatal.
• Be reasonable with them in their demand especially for information as long as their demand keeps you alive, comply with their request.
• Try as much as possible to be mentally and physically alert as the security they place around you cannot be totally fool proof.
• Take reasonable chances to escape as soon as an opportunity present itself, however, be very sure you will succeed before making such move.
• Maintain as much as possible a friendly rapport with your captors, avoid presenting the impression that you are afraid or you are panicking.
• Be very patient, while with the captors as hostage negotiation are very difficult and usually time consuming.
• If you are on medications, let your captors know as they need you alive in most cases to get the demanded ransom.

Conclusively, these are simply suggestions on how to prevent or avoid possible attack and NOT how to defend ourselves in the event that one finds him or herself in the hands of these criminals, as trying to defend oneself could put one at higher risks.

In this month of October and beyond, Third Cord Limited says,

Stay Safe and always note that the best security is self security.

Thank you.