Nigeria’s security situation has plunged to historic lows in recent years, and traveling safely now requires careful planning and knowledge of some vital tips. While these tips do not totally guarantee safe travel in Nigeria, knowing them is a big advantage. For instance, knowing where the violence is happening and avoiding it can be the difference between safe and tragic travel. Without further ado, here are some things to know for safe travel in Nigeria. 

Avoid Night Travel

Avoiding nighttime travel is one of the most important safety tips, especially in a country like Nigeria, where the dark gives criminals cover to operate freely. It is common for kidnappers to lie in ambush for travelers at night. Besides the reduced road traffic and darkness, most security agents are often absent from checkpoints at night, giving criminals enough time to execute missions without taking much heat. Even in city centers, it is easier for thieves or other criminal elements to perpetrate crimes.

In places like Auchi, Edo state, kidnappers have been known to abduct people from their homes and on the street at night. In such places, it is not just important to avoid roaming around or traveling at night, but also to exercise extreme vigilance when the sun sets, even indoors.  

Avoid Locations Plagued with Violence

While insecurity can be experienced in nearly all parts of the country, places in the Northeast, Northwest, and Central Nigeria, such as Niger, Borno, Sokoto, Benue, Plateau, Kogi, Kwarra, and Kaduna, have seen the most violence in recent times. Avoiding non-essential travel to such places is therefore strongly advised to avoid being caught up in the crossfire. Also check out these 10 things to know when traveling in Northern Nigeria.

Related: Time Zone in Nigeria and Other Facts About Nigeria

Blend In and Avoid Flaunting Flashy Possessions Outside 

In many parts of Nigeria, criminals pick targets just by sight. People who put on or carry flashy possessions are highly likely to be victims of kidnapping, robbery, and other crimes. In places like Lagos, petty thieves look for their next pickpocket victims visually. Even security personnel have been known to put unnecessary attention on people who dress and look exquisite. In stop-and-search locations, policemen often look for the best cars to stop and harass, especially if the driver is a young man. While this is far from saying people shouldn’t drive their favorite vehicles, some places might require traveling with less expensive cars or even public transport for a smoother experience. 

Learn A Bit of The Local Language

Sometimes, being able to understand a local language can be the difference between life and death. This does not imply one should learn the entire language, but having an understanding of local words like run, kill, and attack can help one know when an attack is imminent. Check out these 10 phrases in Nigerian pigin for a start.

Travel From Established Parks 

In Nigeria, the word “along” means standing on the express to search for private drivers to travel with. These drivers are often random people heading to specific destinations, and not commercial drivers who have to take their vehicles to the park to look for passengers. Some people often travel with them as they charge cheaper fares, but it is risky, as some could be criminals looking for the next victims. As much as possible, travel from established parks, as the drivers there are known and can be reached in case anything goes wrong.  

Related: 9 Nigerian Emergency Numbers You Need to Know

Inform A Close Friend or Family Member of Your Destination

Traveling without informing somebody can be risky, as it makes it hard to get help when things go south. Travelers are advised to always disclose their destinations and hotel of residence to loved ones when traveling in Nigeria. 

Avoid Remote Hotels

Some remote hotels have been known to be kidnapping dens where people disappear mysteriously. With that in mind, going for accommodations closer to or within city centers is always better, regardless of the cost. Besides, it is easier to access important facilities and get help from such in-town hotels compared to remote hotels, where cries for help may not even be heard.  

Lock The Hotel Door, Leave the Key In Place, and Never Open The Door In The Night If You Hear A Knock

Some people have reported hearing knocks on their hotel door in the middle of the night, even when they are expecting nobody. Speculations have surrounded such strange occurrences, especially as countless people have reportedly disappeared from hotels. Some say it is a strategy used by criminals to get victims. For safety reasons, it is important to avoid opening the door to such strange knocks. And even if you’re expecting somebody at that particular time, extreme caution is advised. 

Additionally, there have been reports that managers and other workers in hotels work with criminals to kidnap or harm guests. A Punch Newspaper article from April 2025 shed more light on this with multiple verified stories of how hotel managers and staff collude to kill guests. One of the ways they execute this mission is by using spare keys to quietly open occupied rooms with guests often found sleeping or in other vulnerable conditions. For this reason, hotel guests are advised to always lock the door and leave it in place. This way, it is impossible for it to be opened from the other side with another key. And if there are bolts and other locks on the door, they must be applied for additional security. 

Do Not Blindly Trust Strangers

While being suspicious at every minute can reduce the joy of traveling, blindly trusting strangers is not advised. This is especially true if you’re somewhere away from home where the locals speak a different language. Some locals can deceive unsuspecting travelers to their harm or loss of money. If possible, look for an established tour guide or close friend to travel with knowledge of the area to travel with, and even with that, remain cautious. 

Observe Your Surroundings And The Body Language of People

There have been tales of people stumbling into villages where the locals cannibalize and eat humans. But even though this might be a few isolated events from many years ago, it is important to always pay attention to one’s surroundings and smartly observe the body language of locals. Sometimes, continuous stares from people can mean you are being followed or mapped out for harm. Take note of your surroundings and follow your instincts if something feels off. Never assume nothing will go wrong.

Never Appear Weak

Just like predatory animals can sense weakness and use that to attack prey, criminals can pick out targets if they exude weakness. This is a universal fact, and it applies to Nigeria, so it is important to always exude strength when travelling around the country. Walk tall, never appear lost, and have specific destinations in mind. 

Next Read: Top 10 Must-See Tourist Attractions in Nigeria

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