Mantra Helps Protect Travelers Against Kidnap Threat in Nigeria

A recent analysis by our own Security Threats and Information Services Team has identified an increase in crime rates across Nigeria, particularly in kidnap for ransom. As the country tries to deal with the high cost of living and a decline in living standards, hostage taking has become a popular tactic by criminal gangs. Since President Tinubu took office in May 2023, an official figure of 4,777 kidnap victims has been recorded. The actual figure is, however, likely to be higher, due to the level of under-reporting associated with this type of crime.

This rise in kidnap for ransom incidents across Nigeria, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, emphasises the deteriorating state of Nigeria's security situation, and unfortunately, there is often a lack of support for individuals who face this type of threat by the nation’s state security.

It is for this reason that demand for our Armed Escort Services in Nigeria has increased rapidly over the last few years. We receive requests every day from a wide variety of individuals that are concerned for their safety as they travel throughout Nigeria. We have built up an excellent reputation for looking after both Nigerian and international business people, visiting dignitaries and UK government officials, VIP’s and other individuals most notably in and around Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, but also more adventurous tourists wishing to travel across the whole of Nigeria. Several companies have provided us with positive Testimonials on how we have kept their employees safe and secure when they travel with us.

As the financial capital of Nigeria, Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport handles approximately 7,000,000 passengers each year, and this number is set to grow even further now that a second terminal has been opened.

Unfortunately, the journey by road from the airport to Lagos Island, Victoria Island and the main business areas in Lagos, such as Lekki, can be quite challenging, as the areas to the north of Lagos (before you reach the Third Mainland Bridge) have been identified as higher threat areas.

Traffic congestion, poor road conditions and the unpredictable nature of traffic can all lead to a journey time of anything from one to four hours to reach a destination. Vehicle breakdowns resulting from poor vehicle maintenance, and being involved in an accident are the biggest risks to anyone traveling on this busy route. Unfortunately, roadside assistance can take hours to reach a stranded vehicle, leaving passengers vulnerable on the roadside if they do not have a back-up vehicle. It is for this reason that we would strongly recommend that any visitor to Nigeria’s major cities avoids traveling by taxi.

Mantra’s Armed Escort Services Teams consist of escort vehicles (in lead and chase formation), an escort commander (trained in first aid and protective security tactics), professional drivers (trained in defensive and evasive driving tactics) and fully equipped armed policemen, leveraging the expertise of the Nigerian Mobile Police Force (MOPOL). In the unfortunate event that an incident occurs, our passengers can be swiftly transferred to a back-up vehicle to continue their journey with the minimum of fuss or risk to their own personal safety.

In certain areas within Nigeria, where a lower threat level may exist, our regular Journey Management services are also available, giving travelers the option to travel safely with our expert drivers in one of our state-of-the-art vehicles.

If you are travelling to or in Nigeria and require security advice on how to complete your journey safely with our Armed Escort Services or to ask about any of our security services in Nigeria, please contact us by submitting an enquiry form at: http://bit.ly/contactmantra or email us at info@mantraoperations.com

Written by Sian Hawkes, Director of Marketing and Communications