By Odekina Iyede
Nigeria has been hit by a worrying wave of violent attacks in recent weeks — mass abductions of schoolchildren, raids on places of worship and regular ambushes on highways. The scale of recent incidents has prompted a national security emergency and expanded recruitment for security services. These events underline the urgent need for individuals, families, institutions and communities to take practical steps to reduce risk and survive when attacks occur. Reuters+2AP News+2
This guide explains common modes of operation used by terrorists and bandits, and provides clear, practical, and non-actionable survival advice tailored to: roads, churches, schools, and homes in remote areas.
What the attackers are doing — common patterns (short primer)
Reporting from multiple incidents shows several recurring patterns:
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Mass kidnappings and raids on schools and churches. Large, coordinated abductions of pupils and worshippers have been reported in several states, sometimes involving large numbers of victims and ransom demands. These attacks often happen at night or during services when crowds are gathered. AP News+1
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Ambushes and roadblocks on highways and rural roads. Armed groups often use pickup trucks and motorcycles to mount quick attacks, set up fake checkpoints, or block roads to seize vehicles and passengers. Local vigilante responses sometimes foil attacks, but attackers may react violently. Vanguard News+1
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Operating from forests and remote hideouts. Militants exploit dense terrain and weak state presence in remote areas to plan and retire after attacks, complicating rescue and rescue operations. The government has acknowledged militants hiding in forests and deployed additional personnel. Reuters
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Multiple-group dynamics and opportunism. Some regions see rival militant groups vying for territory; others host criminal gangs conducting kidnappings-for-ransom. The confusion and shifting alliances increase unpredictability. The Guardian+1
Knowing these patterns helps shape realistic safety measures: reduce visibility, avoid predictable routines, strengthen early warning and community response, and have clear emergency plans.
General survival principles (apply everywhere)
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Situational awareness: Know your surroundings, exits, and who is around you. Avoid distractions (headphones, constant phone use) when moving through unfamiliar or isolated places.
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Plan and communicate: Always tell someone trusted your route and expected arrival time. Use check-in messages and agreed-upon “I’m safe” codes.
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Travel in numbers: Where possible, travel in convoys or groups; attackers prefer isolated targets.
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Vary routines: Do not use the same routes and timings repeatedly when possible. Predictability makes you an easier target.
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Keep emergency kit & contacts: Have phone numbers pre-saved (local police, community leader, nearest military checkpoint, ambulance), a charged power bank, torch, whistle, and basic first-aid supplies.
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Train in basic first aid: Learn how to stop bleeding (direct pressure), how to perform hands-only CPR, and how to treat shock. These skills save lives after an attack.
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Stay low-profile online: Avoid broadcasting your location or travel plans publicly during volatile times.
On the road — how to reduce risk and survive an ambush
Road ambushes and fake checkpoints are common tactics.
Before travel
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Choose main highways and well-lit routes even if longer; avoid remote tracks at night.
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Check local advisories and ask locals about recent incidents on your planned route.
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Travel during daylight whenever possible. Recent incidents show many attacks occur under cover of darkness. Vanguard News+1
During travel
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Keep doors locked and windows closed; maintain enough distance from the vehicle ahead and behind where safe.
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If confronted at a checkpoint, remain calm, show documents when asked, and avoid sudden moves. If something feels off (unmarked checkpoint, no identification), slowly move to a safer location or call the nearest security contact for verification—do not provoke but prioritize survival.
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If the vehicle is stopped and attackers approach, the default safe option is compliance to protect lives (give up valuables); escape attempts can escalate danger unless you have a clear, safe route and the situation allows it. The priority is human life over property.
If ambushed
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If possible, drive away to safety if escape is feasible and safe (clear path, no crossfire).
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If escape is impossible, seek protective cover (off the road behind solid barriers) and keep occupants flat and low.
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Once safe, call emergency services and report the location and description.
(Note: Advice here is focused on minimizing harm. Do not attempt aggressive countermeasures unless you are trained and certain it is safer.)
In churches and places of worship — preventing and surviving an attack
Religious gatherings are frequently targeted because of concentrated, predictable crowds.
Prevention and preparedness (for congregations & leaders)
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Security planning: Work with local security agencies to arrange periodic security presence during large services, especially in vulnerable areas. Leaders should coordinate crowd control and trusted volunteer security teams trained in de-escalation and communication with authorities. Reuters
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Access control: Use clear entry points where volunteers can monitor access; consider identification of event staff and discreet screening that does not cause alarm.
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Emergency plan & drills: Have evacuation routes, a safe room for hiding, and a communication tree to alert members and authorities quickly. Regularly rehearse these procedures.
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Maintain low profile on schedules: Avoid advertising travel-intensive or high-profile events when threat levels are elevated.
During an attack
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Follow instructions from on-site security or authorities. If attackers enter, the immediate priorities are: get people to cover or out of sight, keep noise low, and avoid running into open areas where attackers can see or shoot. Aid those who cannot move, particularly children and the elderly.
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If escape is possible along a safe route, move quietly and in an organized manner to pre-arranged rendezvous points.
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Once safe, account for everyone and contact emergency services. Provide clear information: location, number of attackers (if known), injuries, and any hostages.
In schools — protecting pupils and staff (and surviving abduction attempts)
Schools have been repeatedly targeted for mass abductions.
Prevention & readiness
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Strengthen perimeter security: gates, lights, secure dormitories, and trained night staff where feasible. Schools should coordinate with local authorities and community vigilante units for night patrols. AP News+1
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Evacuation & lockdown protocols: Teachers and staff must be trained on locking down classrooms, moving students to safer rooms, and silent emergency signals to avoid panic. Regular drills build muscle memory.
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Student tracking & check-in systems: Keep accurate rosters and adopt buddy systems so children are never alone when moving between dorms, classrooms or toilets. Limit movement at night.
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Communication channels: Maintain reliable phone or radio communication with local security agencies and parents.
During an attack
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Employ the school’s lockdown procedure: secure doors, turn off lights, keep students quiet and out of sight, and follow staff instructions. Avoid confrontation; focus on protecting lives.
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If evacuation is possible via a safe route planned in advance, use it. If students are taken, note identifying details (time, color of clothing, number of kidnappers, direction of travel) and report this immediately to security agencies — details aid rescue efforts. AP News
At home — especially in remote/rural areas
Remote homes are vulnerable because attackers rely on isolation.
Before an incident
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Neighbourhood vigilance: A community watch system dramatically reduces risk. Regularly share security tips and report suspicious movement. Collective action deters opportunistic attacks.
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Reinforce basic physical security: Secure doors and windows, install strong locks, keep lighting around entrances, and create safe rooms that are discreet (a room with a lock, communication device, and supplies). Avoid publicizing valuable possessions or travel plans.
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Stock essential supplies: Food, water, first-aid, torch, extra phone battery, and whistle for signalling.
If attackers approach
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If you can safely withdraw to a safe room and call authorities, do so quietly. Avoid confrontations that increase the risk to family members. Keep low, remain silent, and follow your planned procedure until law enforcement arrives.
If taken hostage
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Comply with captors’ basic demands to reduce immediate harm. Observe and remember details (accents, clothing, routes) that can help security services later. Stay calm, conserve energy, and avoid provoking violence.
First aid, medical response and what to do immediately after an attack
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Stop life-threatening bleeding: Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth. If available, use pressure dressings. This is the single most critical immediate action to save lives. (Training recommended.)
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Hands-only CPR: If someone is not breathing, begin chest compressions and call for emergency help. Training increases confidence and effectiveness.
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Treat for shock: Keep injured persons warm and calm, lay them down with legs elevated if not contraindicated, and seek medical help quickly.
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Preserve evidence: Where possible, avoid disturbing a crime scene until authorities arrive; this aids investigations.
Community and institutional measures that actually work
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Coordination with security forces: Communities should register concerns and request patrols. Local intelligence sharing helps pre-empt attacks. Recent government moves to deploy additional forces and forest guards recognize this need. Reuters
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Community policing & trusted vigilante auxiliaries: Where formal policing is thin, trained community brigades — operating under legal guidance and accountability — have sometimes thwarted attacks. However, these groups should be coordinated with official security agencies to avoid escalation or rights abuses. Vanguard News
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Information & early warning networks: Simple SMS/WhatsApp alert groups, radio bulletins, and liaison officers help spread warnings quickly.
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Protection of schools & places of worship: Government and private support for fortified safe zones, night watches, and communication infrastructure is essential.
What the state is doing — and why individual action still matters
The federal government recently declared a national security emergency and announced additional recruitment and resources to tackle the surge in attacks. These measures — while important — take time to translate to safer streets and classrooms. That is why individual, institutional and community preparedness remain critical now. Reuters+1
When to call for help — essential numbers & what to tell responders
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Call the national emergency number and local police. If possible, provide: your exact location, the nature of the incident, the number of attackers (approx.), injuries, and any immediate threats to responders if known.
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If you cannot speak, leave the line open so the operator can listen to ambient sounds and triangulate location (where systems allow).
Final words — protect life first, preserve evidence, and prepare together
The recent spate of attacks across Nigeria — on roads, in schools and churches, and in remote homes — is a national tragedy that demands both state action and individual vigilance. While the state scales up security responses, families, schools, religious institutions and communities must take pragmatic steps: plan, train, coordinate and support each other. A calm, rehearsed response saves lives.