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Christmas Travels on Highways of Concern: A Comprehensive Safety Guide

Introduction

The Christmas season is traditionally a time of joy, reunion, and travel. Millions of Nigerians embark on journeys to their hometowns to celebrate with family. However, recent reports indicate a growing unease regarding the safety of these travels. The festive period in 2025 has been marked by heightened concerns over highway insecurity, particularly kidnapping, alongside the perennial issue of dilapidated road infrastructure. For many, the journey home is no longer just about traffic jams; it involves navigating high-risk corridors where armed criminality has become prevalent. This article aims to provide a pedagogical analysis of the current situation, offering practical advice on how to stay safe, recognize security threats, and navigate the highways responsibly during this festive season.

Key Points

Background

To understand the current climate of “highways of concern,” one must look at the intersection of economic pressures and security challenges. The Christmas period invariably leads to a mass movement of people. This annual migration creates a lucrative target for criminal elements. The article highlights the case of Gbaikeme Osaretin, a 34-year-old hair stylist who left Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos, for Edo State on December 9, 2025. Her intended journey to visit her unwell sister in Abuja turned into a nightmare when the vehicle she boarded was flagged down by men in uniforms on a lonely stretch of road outside Afuze. She and nine other passengers were kidnapped and marched barefoot into the bush.

Her experience is not isolated. The narrative of the “uniformed kidnapper” is becoming increasingly common. Criminals have recognized that wearing uniforms—whether military, police, or paramilitary—grants them the authority to stop vehicles without resistance. This tactic exploits the public’s inherent respect for security forces and the fear of disobeying a checkpoint. Consequently, the psychological landscape of travel has shifted. The primary anxiety for travelers is no longer merely vehicle breakdown or bad weather, but the very real threat of abduction.

Analysis

The Modus Operandi of Highway Criminals

Analysis of recent incidents reveals a disturbing pattern. Criminals are increasingly organized and bold. They operate in broad daylight on specific high-risk corridors. Routes such as the Kabba–Lokoja–Abuja, Auchi–Abuja, and Benin–Akure roads have been flagged as particularly dangerous. In Benue State, the Sankera axis (Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo) and the Makurdi–Naka roads have gained notoriety. The criminals often use the cover of forests bordering these highways to hide victims quickly.

The strategy involves creating fake checkpoints. Unlike genuine security operations, these checkpoints lack structure. There are usually no patrol vehicles, no signage, and the “officers” often work in loose groups rather than disciplined teams. They rely on the element of surprise and the immediate compliance of drivers who fear for their lives.

Infrastructure as a Security Risk

Poor road infrastructure compounds the security risk. When highways are littered with craters and collapsed sections, vehicles are forced to slow down or swerve, making them easier targets for ambush. Furthermore, the resulting gridlock traps vehicles in isolated areas where security response is difficult. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, for instance, remains a bottleneck where travelers can be stuck for hours, vulnerable to opportunistic crimes. The combination of bad roads and active criminality creates a “double jeopardy” for the holiday traveler.

Practical Advice

Despite the grim reality, traveling during Christmas is often unavoidable. Security experts and law enforcement officials have provided specific guidelines to mitigate risks. Here is a breakdown of actionable steps you can take:

Pre-Travel Preparation

• Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition. Check tires, brakes, and fluids. A breakdown on a remote highway is an invitation for criminals.
• Route Intelligence: Before leaving, research your route. Are there known incidents on that road? Is there an alternative route, even if longer? Avoid “lonely stretches” where possible.
• Information Sharing: This is critical. Share your full travel plan with at least two trusted relatives or friends. This should include:
  • Vehicle registration number.
  • Exact departure time.
  • Expected arrival time.
  • Specific route taken.

  In the event of an abduction, this information becomes a lifeline for security forces.

On the Road: Vigilance and Identification

• Avoid Night Travel: Darkness is the kidnapper’s best friend. It reduces visibility, slows down security response, and increases driver fatigue. Experts advise traveling at dawn rather than dusk.
• Recognizing Fake Checkpoints: If you encounter men in uniform, observe carefully before stopping. Real checkpoints usually have:
  • Patrol vehicles (often branded).
  • Official signage or cones.
  • Name tags and distinct insignia.
  • A structured formation of officers.

  If the men look disorganized or lack these symbols, proceed with extreme caution. If safe, turn back or speed through (only if the threat is imminent and you are a specific target).

• Identifying Genuine Military/Police Personnel: Criminals often wear counterfeit uniforms. You can distinguish real personnel by specific details:
  • Army: Look for red or green berets (depending on unit) and specific rank slides.
  • Navy: Usually maroon or dark blue/black berets.
  • Air Force: Light blue or maroon berets.

  Criminals often miss these subtle but distinct unit identifiers.

• Behavior in Transit:
  • Lock all doors immediately upon entering the vehicle.
  • Keep windows up in traffic.
  • Do not display expensive phones, cash, or jewelry.
  • Do not sleep for the entire journey. Stay awake and observe the surroundings.

Emergency Response

• Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels “off,” it probably is. Do not worry about being polite. Turn back or drive away if you sense danger.
• Compliance vs. Resistance: If confronted by armed kidnappers, experts advise compliance. The goal is survival. Resisting armed criminals often leads to violence. Observe their accents, routes, and sounds to aid intelligence gathering if released.
• Communication: Keep phones fully charged. Save distress numbers, including the Police Emergency lines (112 or 0803 123 0631, etc.) and local security contacts.

FAQ

Conclusion

Christmas travels in the current climate require more than just a ticket and a bag; they demand a high level of situational awareness and strategic planning. The “highways of concern” are a reality, but they do not have to be a barrier to reuniting with loved ones. By adhering to the safety protocols outlined—avoiding night travel, sharing information, maintaining vehicle readiness, and recognizing the signs of criminal activity—travelers can significantly reduce their vulnerability. The collaboration between the public and security agencies, exemplified by the recent IGP deployment and expert advice, is essential in ensuring that the season remains one of joy rather than sorrow.