Eid travel safety: Avoiding highway kidnappings in Late May

As Muslims across Nigeria prepare for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, thousands of people are expected to travel across different states to celebrate with family members and loved ones.

During festive periods, highways usually become busier as travellers move between cities and rural communities. However, incidents of highway kidnappings, armed robberies and attacks on isolated roads have continued to raise concerns in different parts of the country.

Because of this, many Nigerians now take extra precautions before embarking on interstate journeys, especially during major festive periods when road traffic increases significantly.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights important safety steps travellers can follow during Eid travel in late May 2026.

Avoid travelling at night

Many highway attacks occur at night when roads become quieter and visibility  becomes lower. Many travellers now schedule journeys early enough to arrive before evening instead of driving through isolated highways after dark. Travelling during the daytime also makes it easier to identify routes, checkpoints, filling stations and nearby communities if assistance becomes necessary during the journey.

Use recognised transport companies

Many travellers prefer established transport companies with registered terminals, proper passenger records and identifiable drivers.Using recognised operators makes journeys more organised and easier to track if emergencies occur during trips. 

Many recognised transport companies also operate from monitored parks instead of random roadside loading points.Passengers travelling for Eid now commonly avoid boarding vehicles from isolated roadside locations, especially for long-distance journeys across unfamiliar states.

Share your live location

Many travellers now use smartphone location-sharing features during interstate journeys. It allows users to share their real-time  location with relatives or trusted contacts during trips. This allows family members to monitor movement and notice unexpected stops or route diversions during travel. 

Many travellers also keep power banks with them to prevent their phones from going off during long journeys.

Travel in groups

Some motorists prefer travelling in convoys or alongside other vehicles instead of travelling alone on isolated highways. Travelling in groups may reduce vulnerability on roads where attacks are sometimes reported because isolated vehicles are often easier targets.

Many families and groups of friends now coordinate departure times so they can move together on the same routes during festive travel periods.

Avoid isolated stops

Many travellers avoid stopping in lonely or poorly lit areas during long-distance trips.

Busy filling stations, military checkpoints and recognised rest stops are commonly used instead of isolated roadside areas. Some motorists also avoid stopping for strangers on deserted highways, especially in unfamiliar locations.

Long unnecessary stops are also avoided on roads with limited traffic movement.

Check security updates before travelling

Many travellers monitor traffic reports, news updates and security information before choosing travel routes.

Some highways occasionally record security incidents, road blockages or temporary travel concerns during festive periods. Travellers now commonly check current conditions before departure, especially when travelling through unfamiliar states or remote roads.

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Keep valuables out of sight

Many travellers keep expensive phones, jewellery, laptops and large amounts of cash out of public view during journeys.

Displaying valuables openly inside vehicles or at parks may attract unnecessary attention during interstate travel. Some travellers also prefer using smaller bags for important items while keeping valuables properly concealed throughout the trip.

Ensure your vehicle is in good condition

Vehicle breakdowns on isolated highways can create additional risks during interstate journeys. 

Many motorists service their vehicles before travelling long distances, especially during festive periods when roads become busier. 

Tyres, brakes, fuel levels, engine condition and spare tyres are among the things many drivers check  before departure. Well-maintained vehicles also reduce the chances of becoming stranded in unfamiliar or isolated locations.