There’s an increase in inter-state travel security incidents reported in 2021 and a high risk of violent and terrorist attacks in Nigeria by different groups, especially in the north east of Nigeria.

The increase in armed banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and so on is very high in many parts of Nigeria especially Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara State in the northern part of Nigeria. With threats from popular terrorist group – Boko Haram insurgents and Bandits. Due to the high risk of violent attacks in these states, we advise against travel and if need be should be accompanied by a high level of security.

There has been a number of attacks and killings on civilians, security official and infrastructure in the south-east and south-south parts of Nigeria, including in the states of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Delta, Edo and Ebonyi.

Are you getting ready to travel inter-state? Then please read this security tips and get a professional advice and support depending on your location and purpose of visit:

• Don’t travel after dark or too early
• Obey curfews and follow local news and information outlets for further information
• It is advisable not to tell people you are travelling
• Before your trip, become familiar with the state you’re traveling and monitor developments in these states
• Avoid pulling over on the side of the road unless it is an emergency – especially at night
• Book reputable hotels during late night travel
• If you are on a work trip – humanitarian aid work, journalism or business, you should be fully confident in your employer’s ability to extract you in the event of any crisis
• For those travelling for tourism, consider travelling in Convoy
• If you’re caught up in an armed robbery or hostage situation, you should immediately comply with the attackers’ demands
• Take a mobile phone with long lasting battery during road travel
• Avoid quiet and poorly lit roads
• Use Google map if not sure of a particular route rather than always asking from people in the community
• Keep car windows up and doors locked, and valuables out of sight
• Be very vigilant when sitting in traffic jams or at traffic lights especially if you live in Lagos
• If you feel your vehicle is being trailed, drive to the nearest police station or somewhere safe
• Be vigilant at all check points and use common sense at all times. There are illegal checkpoint used by criminals disguising as security operatives
• If possible, avoid intercity transport by road due to increase of kidnappers and bandits attacks on motorists
• Arrange pick-ups and airport transfers with someone you know or by arranging a hotel car
• Be wary of online contact from people you don’t know during your journey
• Do not travel in tinted cars, customized plate numbers or convoys without security operatives
• Avoid dressing simple and wear less expensive clothing during road travel
• Lastly, stay alert to threats

For those who must travel for work, occasion or any other official assignment, then Arete should be your trusted security plug. These services include, armed and unarmed personnel security details for safe transportation or you can use the link to reach out to the Nigerian police force in any state here.