By Group Captain Sadeeq Garba Shehu Rtd
One of the most important security lessons I have learned from military service, peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assignments and security risk management practice is that many security incidents are preventable long before they occur.
In Nigeria’s current security environment, JOURNEY MANAGEMENT is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity.
Whether you are a government official, security personnel, politician, business executive, NGO worker, trader, student, community leader or ordinary citizen, rich or poor no one is safe, how you plan and conduct your movements can significantly reduce your exposure to security risks, particularly kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
Journey management simply means thinking about security before, during and after a journey.
BEFORE TRAVELLING:
• Ask yourself whether the journey is necessary and whether it can be postponed, delegated or conducted virtually.
• Obtain current information on the security situation along your intended route.
• Inform a trusted family member, friend or colleague of your destination, route and expected arrival time.
• Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and adequately fueled.
• Carry charged communication devices and important emergency contacts.
• Avoid predictable travel patterns where possible.
• Consider the timing of your movement and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of elevated risk.
DURING THE JOURNEY:
• Remain alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid unnecessary stops in isolated areas.
• Exercise caution when receiving information from strangers regarding diversions or alternative routes.
• Observe unusual activities, suspicious roadblocks or abandoned vehicles.
• Where possible, travel during daylight hours.
• Avoid publicising your movement plans or real-time locations on social media.
• Maintain regular communication with designated contacts.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation does not feel right, take reasonable precautions.
USE OF REAR VIEW MIRROR
One of the most overlooked aspects of personal security is rear-view mirror discipline and situational awareness.
Many drivers use their mirrors only for driving. Security-conscious individuals use them for both driving and awareness.
Criminal surveillance before kidnappings often begins long before the actual attack. Victims may be observed, followed, profiled and their routines studied over time before criminals decide to act. This does not mean every vehicle behind you is a threat. Far from it. However, maintaining periodic awareness of what is happening around and behind your vehicle is a sensible security habit.
Some useful practices include:
• Periodically scan your rear-view and side mirrors without becoming distracted from driving.
• Pay attention to patterns rather than isolated incidents.
• Notice vehicles that appear repeatedly over long distances or through multiple turns.
• Be alert to vehicles that seem unusually interested in maintaining proximity over an extended period.
• If you genuinely believe you may be under observation, avoid driving directly to your residence or other predictable destinations.
• Stay calm and avoid panic. Most suspected surveillance turns out to be innocent coincidence.
Security awareness is not about paranoia. It is about observation, judgement and preparedness.
AFTER ARRIVAL:
• Confirm your safe arrival with those expecting you.
• Report significant security concerns to the appropriate authorities where necessary.
• Review any unusual incidents observed during the journey and share relevant information with family members or colleagues who may benefit from it.
The reality is that many kidnappings and criminal attacks are not entirely spontaneous. They are often preceded by surveillance, routine mapping and the identification of opportunities. Criminals frequently exploit predictability, complacency and poor security habits.
No security measure can eliminate risk completely. However, good journey management can significantly reduce vulnerability and improve personal safety.
In today’s Nigeria, security is no longer solely the responsibility of the military, police or intelligence services.
It is a shared responsibility.
Many people spend weeks planning weddings, conferences, ceremonies and business meetings, yet spend only a few minutes planning the journey that will take them there.
That should change.
Your rear-view mirror is not just for reversing. It is one of the simplest tools for maintaining situational awareness.
And sometimes, the safest journey is the one that was properly planned before the engine was even started.
Hope is not a security strategy. Preparation, awareness and vigilance are.
Group Captain Sadeeq Garba Shehu (rtd) is a Security & Defence Analyst/Conflict Security & Development Consult Ltd