How To Survive Kidnappers' Den

No one prays to be kidnapped and neither is the experience of being forcefully taking by fierce looking, gun bearing men a delight. However, like the popular saying, “if wishes were horses, beggars would ride,” and given the high rate of kidnapping, which has become rampant and has puzzled security agencies in Nigeria, regardless of whether you’re rich or poor, it has become imperative for expatriates, missionaries, Nigerians outside the country, to be conscious of this phenomenon and understand how they can prevent it in the first instance – prevention is better than cure. 

In the event that it occurs, there are helpful tips to overcome the unpleasant ordeal in the kidnappers’ den to avoid injuries or death. Interestingly, the motives of kidnapping groups differ, while one seek financial gains through ransom, the other is extremely dangerous and difficult to survive as it is mainly for ritual purposes. The focus herein, is on the rather lucrative aspect of kidnapping for ransom purpose, which occurs virtually every week and some are not even reported.

Coming home from overseas to some people is like the return of the biblical prodigal son, which is celebrated with so much pomp and pageantry. Friends and foes alike are aware of the impending home coming of an illustrious son or daughter, making the individual suddenly an object of crime to the criminally minded folks. It is not uncommon to see people organize a welcome party for family and friends, visit night clubs and order that people be served drinks on the bill of the ‘Yankee’ returnee.

Also, making of phone calls in the public on transactions made can be the undoing of many people whether home or overseas based.

Family members or friends can as well set a trap and arrange that their beloved daughter or son be kidnapped so as to share proceeds from the ransom. Stuffs happen and you may not be too sure who’s who? In most cases, as experienced, there is always a tip off somewhere from within.

Other instances of kidnapping could be spontaneous road side ambush especially along the expressway, where there are no adequate security presence. The object of attraction to kidnappers in such an instance are the luxurious cars on the highway.

Surviving kidnappers’ den
To say that the moment of capture is terrifying is to say the least, from sporadic gunshots, resembling a robbery scene, you don’t want to remember ever watching an action movie of that nature. Some are trailed home and whisked off as if though, they were arrested by security agencies. Whatever form, during the first moments, don’t struggle. Submission is key.

The victim must talk less and not shout to avoid being hit. Kidnappers are weary of any attempt to raise an alarm and you would do yourself good by your terrified silence.

Some make the mistake of trying to pick their belongings such as hand bags or mobile phones along with them during the first moments. The case of a former deputy governor of a south east state comes to mind. He had denied he didn’t have enough money when his phone beeped for an alert of N30 million. The kidnappers wouldn’t buy the deception and he was killed.

Holding one’s mobile phone could help the captors obtain vital information, such as, text messages, account details, numbers of friends and significant others who could become next targets.
Silence is not a virtue though, as they aren’t going that far to see you keep quiet.

They need information and they need it urgently. Providing them with the information on who to contact would curb threats and reduce tensions. It would also require that you constantly assure them that contacted family members will cooperate. They may require that the captive submit account details or passwords, credit card details and so on to serve as negotiating instruments. Emotions during negotiations though may flare up, especially with family members on phone, staying quiet is of much importance. Unnecessary movement can be dangerous.

Inform those saddled with the responsibility of watching on even the desire to answer the call of nature. They have total control on your existence at this time, don’t try to take it away from them by causing unwarranted side attractions. Since money is their motive, kidnappers will ensure that their captor is alive. The frightening 24 hours is to ensure that they are not being trailed by security agencies and the coming days are usually about the drama of ensuring terms and conditions are met.