8 Life-Saving Tips for When You’re Being Kidnapped

Being kidnapped is a terrifying reality in Nigeria today, with rising cases across the country. Whether for ransom or other motives, these abductions leave victims in dangerous and unpredictable situations. 

While no one ever wants to find themselves in such a crisis, knowing how to respond can improve the chances of survival.

Here are the practical steps you can take if you’re ever kidnapped. These tips are drawn from expert advice and real-life experiences to help you stay safe and, if possible, regain your freedom.

Stay calm and think clearly

The first few moments of a kidnapping can be overwhelming. Your body’s natural reaction may be to panic, scream, or resist, but these actions can put you in even greater danger. 

Instead, take deep breaths and focus on staying as calm as possible. The clearer your mind, the better you can assess your surroundings and potential escape opportunities.

If you’re being taken from a public place, try to make noise or create a disturbance before the kidnappers gain full control over you. However, once they have overpowered you, struggling too much might provoke them to use violence. At this point, compliance may be the safest option.

Observe everything around you

Even though you may be blindfolded or forced into a vehicle, try to gather as much information as possible. Listen for sounds, traffic, voices, or background noises—that could help identify your location later. 

Take note of the kidnappers’ accents, languages spoken, and any names they call each other. Also, observe their behavior—do they seem organized, or are they acting out of desperation? These details might help authorities later.

Do not show fear, but avoid confrontation

Kidnappers are often unpredictable, and showing too much fear can make you seem weak, while defiance can provoke aggression. Your goal should be to present yourself as calm and cooperative. Speak only when necessary and respond respectfully to their commands.

If an opportunity arises, try to humanize yourself. Mention your family, your children, or anything that makes you relatable. Kidnappers are less likely to harm someone they see as a person rather than just a target. However, avoid giving out too much personal information that could make them increase their demands or decide you are worth more money.

Maintain psychological strength

Being held hostage can take a serious toll on your mental health. To keep your mind active, try to think positively and focus on surviving. Engage in mental exercises like recalling happy memories, counting numbers, or creating a survival plan. These small actions can help you stay strong until help arrives.

Assess your captors’ intentions

Understanding why you were kidnapped can help you respond appropriately. Most kidnappings in Nigeria are for ransom, but others may be politically or personally motivated. 

If your captors are after money, negotiation might be possible. If they have other motives, the situation may be more dangerous, requiring extra caution.

Avoid making any promises you can’t keep. If asked about money, do not say your family is rich or willing to pay a high ransom, this could make your situation worse. Instead, remain neutral and let others handle negotiations if you get the chance to communicate.

Look for escape opportunities, but be smart about it

Not every kidnapping situation presents an immediate escape opportunity. Sometimes, trying to flee can put you at greater risk. However, if you notice moments where your captors are distracted or leave you unguarded, evaluate whether escaping is possible.

If your hands are tied, practice slowly loosening the knots or finding sharp objects to cut them. Observe their routines, do they leave the door unlocked at night? Do they sleep deeply? These small details could create an opportunity for a safe escape.

If a rescue operation occurs, follow the instructions of the security forces carefully. Do not make sudden movements that could be mistaken for aggression.

Communicate carefully if allowed

In some cases, kidnappers allow their victims to communicate with their families to demand ransom. If this happens, remain calm and follow instructions. Avoid showing distress, as kidnappers might become more aggressive if they sense fear.

When speaking to your family, do not say anything that could provoke the kidnappers. Stick to the script they give you, but if possible, subtly drop hints about your location or condition.

Seek medical and psychological help after the ordeal 

Once freed, get checked by medical professionals, even if you feel fine. Trauma can manifest in different ways, and seeking counseling can help you process the experience. Also, report your experience to the authorities, as your details might help prevent future kidnappings.