Nigeria has been faced with series of increasing security issues over the past decade. More predominantly, since the inception of Boko Haram in 2002 several threats to national security including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, robberies, clashes between herders and farmers, etc. have emerged and equally become menaces to our society.
Notwithstanding the nation’s investments and efforts to curb these emerging security challenges, it is also important for individuals to adopt and apply practical personal safety and security measures. Listed below, are a few tips to help protect lives and properties:
- Always use your security locks when inside your homes, cars, offices/business places as this may proof useful in preventing intruders from unauthorized access;
- Avoid taking the same routes consistently If you work-out, go to work or take children to school especially where there are alternate routesl;
- Always inform trustworthy relatives/friends about your whereabouts. Ensure to share useful information such as the name(s) and phone number(s) of the person you are meeting with, in case of any eventuality;
- Do not accept and/or give rides to strangers as you may be vulnerable to attacks from individuals with malicious intentions;
- Always conduct thorough background checks on prospective domestic staff such as gatemen/resident security, drivers, cooks, gardeners, nannies, cleaners etc. before employing them;
- There is security in numbers! Should you engage in work outs, jogging, walking, running etc., always ensure you do so in concert with others.
- Be mindful of the information shared during interactions in public including telephone calls made or received in public as you may unintentionally pass vital information to criminals.
- Avoid using Automatic Teller Machines (“ATMs”) at night as this reduces the likelihood of robbery attacks however, where you must, ensure to use ATMs that are located within premises with ample lighting.
- Install alarm system in your homes, offices and cars in order to fend off burglars from breaking into your homes, offices and cars.
- Ensure you keep updated contacts of security agencies and personnel within your environs in case of an emergency.
