New Security Measures Nigerians Should Know During Festive Periods
Staying Safe During Festive Periods in Nigeria: Important Security Tips Everyone Should Know
Festive periods in Nigeria are often filled with excitement, family gatherings, religious celebrations, concerts, shopping, and increased travel activities. However, these periods also come with increased security risks such as theft, scams, traffic accidents, missing children, and cyber fraud.
As security agencies across the country continue to strengthen safety operations during celebrations, Nigerians are also encouraged to take personal security seriously to avoid becoming victims of crime.
This article highlights important security measures every Nigerian should know during festive periods to stay safe and protect loved ones.
Why Festive Periods Usually Record Higher Security Risks
During celebrations such as Eid-el-Kabir, Christmas, New Year, Easter, and other major events, there is usually:
Increased movement of people
Heavy traffic on highways
Crowded markets and event centres
More online transactions
Higher cash circulation
These activities often create opportunities for criminals, pickpockets, scammers, kidnappers, and fraudsters to operate.
Travel Safety Tips Nigerians Should Follow
1. Avoid Night Travel When Possible
Security experts often advise Nigerians to avoid unnecessary night journeys, especially on unfamiliar or isolated roads. Criminal activities and road accidents are more common at night.
Safety Tips
Travel during daylight hours
Inform family members about your movement
Use trusted transport companies
Avoid boarding random vehicles
2. Keep Your Valuables Hidden
Displaying expensive phones, jewellery, or large amounts of cash publicly can attract criminals.
What You Should Do
Use ATM cards or digital payments where possible
Keep phones secured in crowded places
Avoid counting money openly
Use anti-theft bags while traveling
3. Be Careful at Crowded Markets and Event Centres
Festive periods usually attract large crowds to shopping centres, concerts, prayer grounds, and parks. These places are common targets for pickpockets and scammers.
How to Stay Safe
Stay alert in crowded areas
Keep bags zipped and close to your body
Avoid strangers offering suspicious “help”
Agree on meeting points with family members
How Nigerians Can Avoid Common Festive Scams
Fake POS and Transfer Alerts
Many fraudsters use fake debit alerts to scam business owners during festive rush periods.
Prevention Tips
Always confirm payments before releasing goods
Use banking apps to verify transactions
Avoid distractions during business transactions
Online Shopping Fraud
Festive discounts often attract online scammers pretending to sell cheap products.
Protect Yourself By:
Buying only from trusted sellers
Avoiding suspicious giveaway links
Verifying websites before payment
Being cautious of “too good to be true” offers
Child Safety During Celebrations
Children can easily get lost during crowded celebrations, shopping, or religious gatherings.
Important Child Safety Measures
1. Never Leave Children Unattended
Always keep young children within sight in crowded areas.
2. Teach Children Important Information
Children should know:
Their parents’ names
Phone numbers
Home address
3. Dress Children Brightly
Bright clothing helps parents identify children quickly in crowds.
4. Set Emergency Meeting Points
Families should agree on safe meeting locations in case someone gets separated.
Emergency Numbers Nigerians Should Save
Keeping emergency contacts can help during urgent situations.
Important Emergency Numbers in Nigeria
Nigeria Police Emergency: 112 or 199
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC): 122
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA): 030277000
Fire Service: 112
Residents should also save local emergency contacts within their states.
Security Agencies Increasing Surveillance Across Nigeria
Several security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, have continued deploying officers to highways, prayer grounds, event centres, and strategic public locations during festive seasons.
These measures are aimed at preventing crimes and ensuring peaceful celebrations across the country.
“Security is everyone’s responsibility. Staying alert and following safety precautions can help prevent avoidable incidents during festive celebrations.”
Festive periods should be moments of joy, peace, and celebration, not periods of fear or tragedy. While security agencies continue strengthening operations across Nigeria, individuals and families also have important roles to play in staying vigilant and security conscious.
By following travel safety measures, avoiding scams, protecting children, and keeping emergency contacts nearby, Nigerians can enjoy safer and more peaceful celebrations.
