On the 13th of February, a story that kidnappers were operating in Abuja and had kidnapped a lawmaker’s daughter, a university student, was on the front page of a national daily. Although it was denied the next day by the university where the student is supposedly enrolled, kidnapping is one of the major security issues in some parts of the country. Below are PERSONAL AND SECURITY GUIDELINES you may find useful. This information was sent to us thru email by Fred D. Borbon of Addax Petroleum Dev. Nig. Ltd. VI, Lagos:
KIDNAPPING is a sophisticated crime that usually requires elaborate plans for success. Kidnapping schemes start with observation and scrutiny of victim’s routine.
For security to be effective, it must permeate through every member of the family, including the children. The aim is to generate security-minded attitudes and habits in all family members.
Adults should become conversant with proper security procedures to be taken, not only in kidnapping situation but all emergency occurrences.
House-helps, drivers and security guards should be thoroughly screened and subsequently trained in proper security procedures.
Assess the threat and your level of exposure.
Be aware of your surroundings.
When walking – be in populated areas.
Before entering your house – watch out for tails; counter-tails.
Before entering your car – look around; lock doors as soon as you sit.
When driving – rear view mirrors are great; 360° coverage
Adjust your lifestyle.
Do not keep late nights; if you have to, then stay with many others.
Ostentatious living is not advisable; action speaks louder.
Watch what you say and what your children say; the wall have eyes and ears.
Cut out routine in your way of life.
Avoid dangerous neighbourhoods and random taxis.
If you observe a threat, report to security immediately.
WHEN KIDNAPPED:
Remain calm and businesslike as possible; do not panic, beg or cry.
Cooperate with the abductors and not try to escape.
Resistance can result in injury or even death.
When in transit, make a mental note of direction travelled, odours, landmarks, unusual noise and length of time involved.
Leave your fingerprints by touching various part of vehicle or the house you are taken into.
Remain impartial in any philosophical or social discussion.
Do not discuss rescue efforts, ransom terms, amnesty offers etc.
Bear in mind that every possible effort will be made by your family, company and security agents to obtain your quick and safe release.
WHEN SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED:
Report the incident to the Security Department immediately.
Do not panic or start broadcasting the incident.
Be conscious that you are being watched.
A Negotiating Team will be set up by Law Enforcement & Company Security to handle the situation.
Refer the first contact telephone call to the Negotiating Team; do not volunteer any information or start negotiating with the kidnappers.
Give critical information about the spouse or child to the Negotiating Team; do not volunteer any information or start negotiating with the kidnappers.
Rest assured that the child will be released safe and sound: child abductors take extra care to ensure that the child does not fall sick or die.
EXTRA TIPS:
Educate children in conversing with strangers on the phone, answering doors, while playing outdoors and going to and from school or places of worship.
Use a private car to take children to school or at least accompany them to the school bus.
Parents should insist never to release a child from school without parental consent. Consent should not be verbal or by pretext of a well dressed person. Claims must be confirmed by school authorities.
Advise children to stay with friends at all times.
Advise children never to enter a stranger’s car even though they claim to know mommy or daddy.
Children should be taught to raise alarm if someone is trying to remove them by force.
TYPES OF KIDNAPPING:
Express: Kidnapped in a car and driven around town and robbed of all valuables; Lagos “One-Chance” technique
Virtual: Email or phone threatening you that your child is abducted and you must send money
Political: Kidnapping to sway political decisions; original MEND tactics
Ransom: Kidnapping for financial gains
Spousal: Kidnapping wife or children for divorce purposes; mainly done at school or church premises
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