Festive Travel Chaos: Nigeria’s Roads, Rails, Airports Brace for Busiest Day Amid Surging Insecurity

As Nigerians gear up for the Christmas holidays, today Friday, December 19, 2025 is anticipated to be one of the peak travel days, with millions thronging roads, railways, and airports to reunite with families. However, escalating insecurity across the country, including rampant kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, and violent crimes, is casting a shadow over journeys, making many routes unsafe and prompting warnings from security agencies and international advisories.

Transportation hubs are already overwhelmed, with reports of long queues at major airports like Murtala Muhammed in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe in Abuja, crowded train stations on the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna lines, and jammed motor parks nationwide. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and police have deployed additional personnel, but experts warn that the festive rush exacerbates vulnerabilities to criminal activities.

Insecurity in Nigeria remains volatile, with a high threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime affecting travel nationwide. According to recent reports, kidnappings have surged, particularly on highways, turning routine trips into potential risks. Foreign advisories, including from Australia, the UK, and Canada, urge reconsidering travel to Nigeria overall, with “do not travel” warnings for 25 states due to these threats.

Kidnappings and Banditry: Widespread on highways, with criminals using fake checkpoints, roadblocks, or ambushes. Foreigners and locals are targeted, often for ransom. Incidents spike during festive seasons due to increased travel. Recent rescues, like 11 passengers on the Benin-Akure Highway, highlight the danger.

Terrorism: High risk from groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, especially in the North-East (e.g., Borno, Yobe, Adamawa). Attacks can occur anywhere, including public places, transport hubs, and during holidays.

Violent Crime and Robbery: Common in cities and on roads, increasing at night. Includes carjackings, armed robberies, and assaults.

Civil Unrest: Protests, strikes, and inter-communal violence could disrupt travel, with possible curfews or roadblocks.

High-Risk Regions and Routes : North-West and North-East: States like Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba – banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism. Avoid Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, a notorious hotspot.

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North-Central: Plateau, Niger, Kogi, Kebbi – communal clashes and banditry; heightened alerts in Plateau due to past attacks.

South-East and South-South: Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Rivers – kidnappings, militancy, and cult violence. Routes like Okigwe Road and Okene-Auchi are dangerous.
South-West: Benin-Ore and Benin-Akure highways in Edo and Ondo – frequent kidnappings.

FCT and Surrounds: Abuja is relatively safer, but outskirts face risks; kidnappings extend to commuter routes around the capital.

Railways, such as the Abuja-Kaduna line, are vulnerable to attacks, while airports may see delays but are generally more secure with enhanced screenings. Sea travel in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea is risky due to piracy.

Security agencies and experts recommend proactive measures to mitigate threats during this busy period.

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Travel Planning: Opt for daytime journeys only; avoid night travel entirely. Use air travel if possible for longer distances, as it’s safer than roads or rails. Choose reputable transport companies, recognized motor parks, and verified ride-hailing services like Bolt or Uber.

Route Selection: Research and avoid high-risk highways; use main roads and travel in convoys or groups. Check vehicle roadworthiness to prevent breakdowns in isolated areas.

Personal Security: Share your itinerary with trusted contacts; keep a low profile avoid displaying valuables, discussing finances publicly, or posting plans on social media. Carry emergency numbers (police: 112/119, FRSC: 122) and have a contingency plan.

Situational Awareness: Stay alert to surroundings; report suspicious activities. If confronted, cooperate and surrender valuables do not resist armed attackers.

General Tips: Monitor local media and advisories; stock up on essentials in case of delays. For festive gatherings, avoid crowds at potential targets like churches or markets. Get professional security advice if in high-risk areas.

For Northern Travel: In states like Gombe, Plateau, and Zamfara, cooperate with checkpoints; refrain from speeding or overloading vehicles.

Travelers are advised to reassess plans if heading to affected areas. The Nigeria Police Force and NSCDC have activated emergency lines and increased patrols, but personal vigilance remains key.

This is a developing story stay tuned for updates.

By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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