If you are here, I have a strong thought that you don’t want your tuwo to be shinkafa-ed, and probably also don’t want to use your year-end bonus to pay ransom.

So what am I talking about? We all know Nigeria has gone to bits. The government is working like a hamster on a wheel—plenty of motion, zero movement (action po bi ogogo).

Yet, it all boils down to community… how we look out for each other in this moment of need.

So, even though I am a web developer, I will talk to you about security—why not? (I actually studied Peace and Conflict Resolution), so you can probably listen to me when I talk about how you can secure yourself this December.

Important step 1: You don’t want to die (or at least not just yet)

As a popular Yoruba saying goes, “Ibi tí a bá kú sí, ibẹ̀ làyé ẹni ti pin” (Wherever a person dies, that is where their world ends). As much as we have no control over when we go, we still need to really be conscious of not putting ourselves in deadly positions.

Based on verified reports from November and December 2025, the streets are not smiling. Here are the “hot” zones where you need to shine your eyes well well.

1. Abuja-Kaduna Expressway: The Iron Rod Saga

Despite claims that security has improved, this major artery remains a focal point for the “bad boys.”

• The Gist: The Federal Government recently condemned acts of “sabotage” because people are literally removing iron rods from completed bridges. Yes, they are stealing the bridge you want to drive on.
• The Reality: While the military is doing their best, international advisories still list Kaduna as a “do not travel” zone. If you don’t have a private jet, maybe rethink that road trip.

2. North-West Corridors (Sokoto-Gusau, Kebbi)

This axis is currently the headquarters for banditry.

• Recent Events: Just this November, an attack in Kebbi State displaced hundreds. Informants say these guys are specifically targeting major highways for theft.
• Verdict: It’s a “Gbege” zone. Unless you have superpowers, avoid it.

3. North-East Routes (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa)

I probably don’t need to tell you this, but travel here is extremely dangerous due to active insurgency.

• Official Warning: Travel advisories explicitly state “avoid all travel.” Attacks are likely to be indiscriminate, targeting public places and transport hubs.

4. South-East and Niger Delta

The situation here is a spicy mix of crime and “agbero” activities.

• The Hotspots: States like Anambra, Imo, and Rivers are flagged. A state of emergency was even declared in Rivers earlier in 2025. It’s unpredictable, so tread carefully.

How to navigate without “Stories that Touch”

Okay, enough gloom. If you absolutely must travel (maybe your village people are calling you home), here is how to stay safe.

1. The Sun is Your Security Guard

Avoid all non-essential road travel, especially at night. The bad guys love the dark. If the sun has gone down, park that car.

2. Loose Lips Sink Ships

Be discreet. This is not the time to post “Lagos to Abuja loading…” on your WhatsApp status. Post the pictures after you have arrived and eaten your mom’s food.

3. Stick to the Script (Main Roads)

Avoid shortcuts. I know you think you know a “fast route,” but those quiet roads are often where the ambushes happen. Stick to the main roads where there is at least some semblance of security.

4. Verify Before You Clarify

Don’t just listen to rumors. For reliable info, check verified sources like the U.S. travel warnings or the Canada travel advice portal.

Final Words

Look, the goal is to survive the festive period so we can complain about the price of fuel in January together.

Now, before you go and start packing your bag, I have a small confession. I actually enjoy this—giving you update, ranting small, and pretending I know it all. I’m trying to make this a weekly ritual where I drop stories that will either save your life or just make you laugh at our collective suffering.

But I cannot be talking to myself like person wey dey find missing kobo (I never mad reach that level). I want to build a small community here—a safe space where we can drop gist, share survival tips, and maybe argue about tech once in a while.

So, if you don’t want to miss my next rant (or my next life-saving tip), and you want to join this “Association of Survivors,” click the link. Let’s gather here. And yes, I still build websites, in case you were wondering how I afford data to write this.

Join the Community / Connect with me

Stay safe and don’t let anyone tuwo your shinkafa!

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is based on news reports and travel advisories available as of December 2025. I am a web developer and peace scholar, not a private security contractor or a magician. Security situations in Nigeria can change faster than you can say “Up NEPA.” Please consult official government channels and professional security experts before making any travel plans. I am not liable for any “stories that touch” resulting from the use of this information.