A Gentle Security Reminder from Sheriff Deputies Ltd.

The recent reports of the kidnapping and subsequent rescue of NYSC members travelling in Nigeria serve as a timely reminder of the importance of security awareness when planning a journey.

Whether you are travelling for NYSC orientation, business, work, school or a family visit, taking a few precautionary steps before and during your journey can help you make informed decisions and reduce avoidable risks.

While we cannot always predict every situation on the road, we can take responsibility for how we prepare, the information we rely on and the decisions we make along the way.

At Sheriff Deputies Ltd., we encourage individuals, families and organisations to make security a regular part of their travel plans.

Here are some practical travel security tips to keep in mind before your next journey.

1. Research Your Route Before Departure

Do not rely solely on familiarity with a route or the fact that you have travelled it safely in the past. Security conditions can change.

Before leaving:

• Check recent security updates from credible news organisations, relevant government agencies and local authorities.
• Confirm whether there are reported incidents, road closures, curfews or other security concerns along your intended route.
• Seek reliable local advice about your destination and planned stops.
• Identify alternative routes and safe places where you can stop if necessary.
• Reconsider or postpone non-essential travel if credible information indicates a serious security threat.

Remember: A route that was safe yesterday may require a fresh assessment today.

2. Plan Your Departure Time Carefully

Where practicable, schedule long-distance road journeys to allow travel during daylight hours. Night journeys can reduce visibility and make it more difficult to identify potential hazards or find assistance.

Allow sufficient time for traffic, rest stops and unexpected delays. Avoid rushing to meet a deadline at the expense of your safety.

If your journey is disrupted, reassess the situation before proceeding rather than continuing simply because you have already started.

3. Choose Transport Providers Carefully

Whether travelling in a private vehicle, commercial bus or organised group, make reasonable checks before departure.

• Use reputable transport operators and verified booking channels.
• Confirm the vehicle, driver and departure arrangements where possible.
• For organised trips, confirm that the organiser has considered route safety, passenger accountability and emergency communication.
• Avoid accepting unsolicited changes to your transport arrangements without verifying them.
• If something about the arrangements raises a credible safety concern, pause and seek clarification before proceeding.

For NYSC members, students and other people travelling in groups, coordinated transport arrangements and clear communication can make it easier to account for everyone throughout the journey.

4. Share Your Travel Plans With Someone You Trust

Before departure, tell a trusted family member, friend or colleague:

• Your destination and expected arrival time.
• Your intended route and transport arrangements.
• The name and contact details of your transport provider, where applicable.
• When they should expect your next update.

Agree on reasonable check-in times, particularly for long journeys. If your plans change significantly, communicate the change when it is safe and practical to do so.

A trusted contact should know what steps to take if you miss an agreed check-in and cannot be reached after reasonable attempts.

5. Keep Your Phone Charged and Emergency Contacts Accessible

Your mobile phone can be an important communication tool during travel, but network coverage and battery life are not guaranteed.

Before leaving:

• Fully charge your phone and, where possible, carry a power bank.
• Save important contacts so that they are accessible without an internet connection.
• Keep essential identification and relevant travel details available.
• Carry sufficient funds for legitimate transport and emergency needs without unnecessarily displaying cash.
• Where practical, let a trusted contact know if you expect to travel through areas with limited network coverage.

Do not assume that internet access or mobile connectivity will be available throughout the journey.

6. Stay Alert During the Journey

Remain aware of your surroundings at transport terminals, roadside stops and other public locations. Keep your belongings secure and avoid unnecessarily displaying valuables.

Be cautious about unsolicited offers, unexpected requests to change vehicles or routes, and unfamiliar arrangements that cannot be verified.

For road travellers, pay attention to significant changes in traffic or security conditions. If you encounter a credible warning or feel that continuing would expose you to danger, seek reliable information and move to a safe, appropriate location where possible.

Do not confront suspected criminals or attempt to investigate a potentially dangerous situation yourself.

7. Be Careful About What You Share Online

Avoid publishing live travel updates that reveal your exact location, route, departure time, vehicle details or expected arrival time to a broad audience.

Consider sharing photographs and journey updates after reaching your destination instead of while you are still in transit.

This does not mean you should stop communicating with loved ones. Keep trusted contacts informed privately while limiting unnecessary public disclosure of your movements.

8. Know When to Change Your Plans

One of the most important aspects of travel security is recognising when circumstances call for a change of plan.

If credible reports indicate an attack, kidnapping incident, road closure or other serious threat along your route, do not dismiss the information simply because you have already made arrangements.

Pause, verify the information through reliable sources and consider postponing the journey, choosing a safer alternative or following instructions from relevant authorities.

Avoid detours suggested by unverified individuals, especially when the proposed route takes you through unfamiliar or isolated areas.

9. Know What to Do in an Emergency

Before travelling, identify appropriate emergency contacts and the relevant security agencies serving your route or destination.

If you witness suspicious activity or encounter an immediate threat, prioritise your safety. Move away from danger when it is safe to do so, contact the appropriate authorities and provide clear, factual information.

Do not circulate unverified reports, graphic images or sensitive details that could compromise an ongoing rescue or security operation.

If you are travelling with children, colleagues, students or other dependants, establish a simple communication and accountability plan before departure.

10. Make Security Part of Every Journey

Travel security should not begin only after an incident has occurred. It should be part of the planning process, just like confirming your ticket, packing your belongings and checking your vehicle.

Individuals, families, schools, employers and organisations arranging group travel all have a role to play in promoting responsible travel practices.

For organisations responsible for moving staff or groups of people, this may also involve formal journey-management procedures, route risk assessments, emergency communication arrangements and appropriate professional security advice.

Final Thoughts: Let Safety Guide Your Journey

Recent incidents are a reminder to approach long-distance travel with care, preparation and sound judgement. Fear alone is not a security plan, but neither is travelling without considering the risks.

Before your next journey, take a moment to check your route, verify your transport arrangements, inform someone you trust and review the latest available security information.

At Sheriff Deputies Ltd., we encourage everyone to remain vigilant, make informed travel decisions and place personal safety first.

Plan carefully. Stay alert. Travel responsibly.

Sheriff Deputies Ltd. — Promoting security awareness for safer communities and journeys.