Mantra’s Security Advisory Provides Valuable Insights to Clients

Mantra’s Security Advisory Provides Valuable Insights to Clients

As the Year End approaches, it is often the case that this time of year brings an increase in security threats and criminal activities in Nigeria. The holiday season is usually a time for extended time away from home. Criminals are very much aware of the increased need to travel throughout Nigeria and abroad at this time of year and may seek to exploit these opportunities.

We at Mantra believe that it is extremely important at this time of year to raise security awareness and offer insights, advice and recommendations to our Clients. For this reason, we have created a comprehensive Year-End Security Advisory that includes data analysis on security incidents, as well as practical tips and guidelines to help keep our Clients safe.

Without doubt, one of the major risks to individuals in Nigeria is that of Kidnapping. Indeed, our data analysis provided by our Security Threats and Information Services Team shows that over the last four years, the number of kidnapping cases has been consistently increasing year on year, with a spike in cases typically happening in the fourth quarter. The ongoing economic pressure in Nigeria due to the high inflationary rate and rising living expenses is likely to cause an elevated risk of criminal activities, such as kidnapping, once again in Q4 2023.

Travel, especially at this time of year, can put individuals at risk of kidnapping, robberies and thefts. When planning travel arrangements within Nigeria, it is important to consider some security measures. Certain routes have become more vulnerable to kidnappings, carjackings and robberies, so travellers should plan their journeys well in advance and avoid certain well-known, high-risk areas, such as Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Borno, Niger and Abuja.

When planning a road trip in a private vehicle, precautionary measures should be carefully considered to ensure the journey is completed in a safe and secure way. Simple steps such as fully checking the vehicle before setting off, keeping valuables locked away in the trunk, and keeping the doors locked at all times, may seem obvious, but they are easy to overlook. These preventative measures could make a difference and ensure the journey is completed successfully.

Public transport is often used as a convenient way to get around the country during the festive period but is not without its risks. Busy transportation hubs are often targeted by pickpockets or petty thieves, so it is important to remain vigilant and seek out well-lit areas to guard against opportunistic theft. Advance planning is advisable to ensure routes are well planned out, reputable transport providers are selected and schedules are known and agreed upon well in advance. These measures will ensure last minute changes, which could leave travellers vulnerable to harassment or theft, are avoided.

International travel is an exciting way to experience new cultures abroad, but it is not without its risks. By following a few guidelines, travellers can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. For example, travellers should ensure important documentation is kept up to date, insurance is taken out, travel advisories are checked in advance and valuables are kept hidden out of sight. Credit cards should be used at all times, if possible, but travellers should also guard against the card being removed from sight, as this may allow for additional swipes to be taken.

We at Mantra fully recognise the need to keep our Clients safe as they travel throughout Nigeria. Our Armed Escort Teams have an exemplary record in getting our Clients to their desired destination safely and securely. Our highly trained teams and back-up vehicles are readily available to transport our Clients across Nigeria. Passengers can sit back and relax, certain in the knowledge that they will be kept safe at all times.

We also offer Clients our full Journey Management Services, whereby Clients can benefit from the safety and security of travelling in one of our vehicles, but due to a lower threat level may not require an armed escort back-up vehicle as well.

To discuss our Armed Escort Services or to obtain a copy of our comprehensive Year End Security Advisory, please contact us by completing an enquiry form at http://bit.ly/contactmantra or by sending an email to: info@mantraoperations.com

Written by Sian Hawkes, Director of Marketing and Communications