Home, Safe Home: The Nigerian’s Essential Guide to Travel Safety

​Traveling within Nigeria, whether for business, family, or pleasure, is an integral part of life. We are a nation on the move, yet the journey itself often requires as much preparation and foresight as the destination. For us, security is not an optional extra; it is the foundation of a successful trip.

​This comprehensive guide is written specifically for the Nigerian traveler, offering practical, street-smart advice to navigate the roads and cities with confidence. By adopting a proactive and informed approach, we can significantly mitigate the risks and ensure that our journeys are safe and enjoyable.

​1. Mastering Interstate Travel: The Road Trip Rules

​Interstate travel in Nigeria, while essential, carries specific risks, primarily due to issues like armed banditry, kidnapping, and road conditions.

​The Golden Rules for Road Travel

• ​Avoid Night Travel (The Hard Stop): This is perhaps the single most critical safety measure. The vast majority of violent incidents—banditry, kidnapping, and robbery—occur after dark (typically after 6:30 PM). Always schedule your travel to begin and end in daylight hours. If a journey cannot be completed before nightfall, book a safe, reputable hotel and resume the trip the next morning.
• ​Choose Reputable Transport: If you are not driving yourself, opt for established, reliable interstate bus companies (like ABC Transport, GUO Transport, etc.). These companies often have better-maintained vehicles, trained drivers, and, in some cases, security protocols. Avoid unverified, roadside “kabukabu” (unregistered taxis) for long distances.
• ​Inform and Share: Before you set out, share your itinerary—your departure point, destination, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and the vehicle’s license plate/driver’s details—with trusted family or friends. Utilize live location sharing apps during the journey.
• ​The Vehicle Check: Before leaving, ensure your vehicle is in top condition: good tyres (including a spare), functional lights, and enough fuel. Breaking down in an isolated area is a risk multiplier.

​Navigating Checkpoints and Roadblocks

​Police and military checkpoints are common. Maintain a calm, respectful, and cooperative demeanor.

• ​Keep Documents Handy: Have a certified copy of your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and other relevant documents accessible. Avoid handing over originals unless absolutely necessary.
• ​Windows and Doors: Keep your car doors locked and windows closed (or slightly cracked, if necessary for communication) at all times, especially when slowing down for checkpoints or in heavy traffic.

​2. Staying Safe in Major Cities

​Major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano have their own unique security landscapes, primarily focused on opportunistic crime like mugging, pickpocketing, and “one-chance” robberies.

​Personal Security and Vigilance

• ​Practice Situational Awareness: The Nigerian term for this is simple: “Shine your eyes.” Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid being engrossed in your phone or listening to loud music, which limits your ability to detect danger. Trust your gut instinct—if a situation feels wrong, leave immediately.
• ​Keep a Low Profile: Avoid overtly displaying wealth. Do not wear expensive jewellery or flaunt wads of cash. Your phone should be out of sight unless actively being used, and never walk with it openly in high-traffic areas or near busy roads (where it can be snatched by ‘okada’ riders).
• ​ATM and Banking Safety: Only use ATMs located inside a well-lit bank branch or in secure, well-populated public spaces, and preferably during the day. Be aware of anyone loitering nearby and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

​Choosing Safe Urban Transport

• ​Leverage Technology: In major cities, use ride-hailing apps (e.g., Bolt, Uber). The GPS tracking, verified drivers, and recorded trip details offer a significant layer of security compared to roadside taxis. Always verify the driver’s name and license plate before entering the vehicle.
• ​Avoid ‘One Chance’: Unregistered taxis or unmarked buses are a common tactic for ‘one-chance’ criminals who rob or kidnap passengers. Stick to verified options.

​3. Protecting Your Assets and Data

​Your money and personal information are as valuable as your physical safety.

• ​Digital Security is Key: Be wary of scams, whether online, via text message, or on the road. Do not give out personal or banking information to strangers. When using public Wi-Fi, assume your data is vulnerable.
• ​Splitting Your Cash: Never carry all your money in one wallet or pocket. Split your cash between different secure locations (e.g., a small amount in a wallet, the rest in a secure internal pocket). This limits your loss if you are successfully targeted.
• ​Document Copies: Keep digital copies of your vital documents (ID card, driver’s license, etc.) secured on a cloud service or a password-protected email, separate from your physical wallet. This helps immensely in case of loss or theft.

​4. Health and Emergency Preparedness

​A safe trip also means a healthy trip and knowing what to do if the unexpected happens.

• ​Vaccinations and Medication: Ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Malaria remains a significant threat; consider taking prophylactic medication as advised by a healthcare professional. Carry essential personal medications, as counterfeit drugs are a pervasive problem.
• ​Emergency Contacts: Save critical local emergency numbers (Police: 112 or 199 in some areas, trusted family/friends) on your phone and a physical piece of paper.
• ​Power Up: Carry a power bank or portable charger. A dead phone in an emergency is a severe liability.

​Conclusion: Travel Smart, Travel Safe

​Traveling in Nigeria is a rewarding experience, connecting us with our diverse culture, family, and commerce. By making informed choices, prioritizing daytime travel, utilizing verified transport options, and maintaining high situational awareness, we can dramatically enhance our safety.

​The key to safe travel in Nigeria is not fear, but preparedness. Let us all make a conscious effort to ‘travel smart’ so we can continue to appreciate the beauty and vitality of our great nation.

​Do you have any personal safety tips for fellow Nigerians? Share them in the comments below!