Travelling in Fear: The Growing Impact of Insecurity on Road Transport

By Dayo Afolabi

For a commercial driver, Olabuja Amos Oni, the fear of falling victim to kidnappers has become a constant companion on the road. 

After more than 20 years behind the wheel, he now limits most of his trips to neighbouring Oyo State, wary of the growing insecurity that has turned many Nigerian highways into routes of uncertainty. 

"It seems we are the target of kidnappers. In fact, people are now afraid of travelling, including those of us who are drivers. I have even resorted to operating mostly within neighbouring Oyo State." 

"I have been working as a driver for over 20 years. Before now, I travelled from Ondo State to Onitsha almost every week. However, things have changed significantly due to the growing threat of kidnapping for ransom," he said.

According to him, the fear of abduction has forced many drivers to avoid certain routes, while passengers increasingly cancel trips because of security concerns.

He urged the government to rise to its responsibility by ensuring the safety of Nigerians, particularly motorists and transport workers whose jobs require frequent travel.

Another commercial driver, Alao Moshood, also lamented the deteriorating security situation, noting that the decline in interstate travel has made it difficult for him to provide for his family.

He explained that the rising cost of fuel has compounded the problem, while many drivers now avoid routes notorious for criminal activities.

"We rely heavily on prayers whenever we are embarking on a journey. It is difficult to say any part of the country is completely safe. There are places where we cannot even stop because armed men can suddenly emerge and abduct people," he said.

The driver further blamed poor road infrastructure for worsening insecurity, arguing that bad roads often create opportunities for criminals to attack unsuspecting travellers.

"Kidnappers take advantage of vulnerable sections of the roads to strike. If the government can improve security and rehabilitate critical highways, it will help reduce these incidents," he added.

Another driver, Mr. Kingsly Uche said the bad state of road infrastructures on commercial routes is compounding the problem for them as drivers. 

“From Warri to Sapele is a problem for us, the road there is so bad. There is no road to Benin. 

They said they want to repair it, but up till now, nothing has been repaired. We’re passing one-way, and when it chokes, there is no way”

Similarly, Mr Solomon Adewumi, who operates on the Port Harcourt-Lagos route, described the deplorable state of the highway as a major source of hardship for drivers and passengers.

“The road is very bad, sometimes you can stay inside for five good hours. Before we can get to Lagos where we could reach by six or five o’clock, before you could get to Lagos, twelve midnight. So that’s the thing we’re facing there,”

“The road is very bad and not safe at all. We spend long hours on the road because of the bad portions, and at the same time we are afraid of kidnappers. We need the government to fix it urgently,” he disclosed.

Drivers have now resorted to travelling in clusters, as seen in this video of commercial motorists moving from Lagos to Mararaba, Abuja in a group.

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) called on the Federal Government to put more effort into tackling the challenges of insecurity and road infrastructure, insisting that while many economic roads remain impassable, the issue of insecurity is hampering their operations.

  

Growing Concerns Across the Country

From the South-West to the South-East, South-South, North-Central, North-East and North-West regions, virtually every part of Nigeria is grappling with one form of security challenge or another.

The recent surge in kidnapping, banditry and terrorist activities has made road travel increasingly dangerous, leaving many Nigerians apprehensive about embarking on long-distance journeys.

The concern was further highlighted recently when the Presidency advised Nigerians, particularly those travelling long distances, to avoid night journeys and remain vigilant while using major routes across the North-Central region.

The advice, issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, underscored the growing security concerns facing travellers and transport operators nationwide.

The warning not only reflects the severity of the nation's security challenges but also highlights the daily risks faced by transport workers whose livelihoods depend on the country's road network.

Unsafe Routes in the South-West

Recent reports by the Pan-Yoruba Socio-Political Organisation, Afenifere, identified several flashpoints for criminal activities across the South-West.

Among them is the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode corridor, particularly around the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), an area characterised by dense forests and difficult terrain. The route has reportedly become a source of concern for motorists and nearby communities due to recurring incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks.

Other identified hotspots include the Abeokuta-Imeko axis through the Iwoye Forest, the Badagry-Atan-Abeokuta-Sokoto road corridor, the Abeokuta-Olodo-Ibadan road, and parts of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, especially around Ogunmakin and adjoining forest areas.

In Ondo State, notorious flashpoints include Ago-Daada, Ago-Oyinbo and Ago-Ademekun farmlands in Akure North Local Government Area, the Akure-Owo Expressway, Owo-Ose Road, Ikare Akoko, Ugbe Akoko and several communities in Akoko North-East Local Government Area.

Similar security concerns have also been reported along the Ekiti-Kogi border and in parts of Osun State.

Economic Impact

Beyond the threat to human lives, insecurity has continued to exert significant pressure on Nigeria's economy.

Attacks on highways disrupt the movement of goods and services, leading to supply chain challenges, increased transportation costs and rising prices of commodities. Businesses dependent on road transportation also suffer delays and losses due to insecurity.

Furthermore, the fear of attacks discourages passengers from using public transportation, reducing income for transport operators and affecting economic activities in many communities.

A financial expert, Mr. Kofoworola Akinjo, noted that the combined effects of poor infrastructure and insecurity have created a major obstacle to national development, undermining trade, investment, and social cohesion across the country.

Kofoworola, who lamented the growing security challenges bedeviling the nation, urged government at all levels to take proactive steps in protecting the lives and property of citizens, adding that the impact of the growing insecurity cannot be overemphasized on the economy.

"Economy and security work together; the economy cannot grow in a troubling state or country. The current administration must do more in keeping the country safe," he added.

The Way Forward

Security experts have repeatedly called for improved intelligence gathering, stronger collaboration among security agencies, increased surveillance of forests and highways, and the deployment of modern technology to combat criminal activities.

They also advocate the rehabilitation of critical road infrastructure, improved welfare for security personnel and stronger community policing initiatives.

Stakeholders believe that addressing insecurity requires a holistic approach involving government, security agencies, local communities and citizens working together to reclaim public spaces and restore confidence in road travel across Nigeria.

Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi noted that the state police command has put in place robust security measures across highways and roads.

Abayomi said in the event of a perceived threat, drivers should prioritize their safety before proceeding with their journey, emphasizing the need for drivers to immediately report any suspicious activity to the police through the command, adding that Motorists are encouraged to seek a safe location and contact security agencies promptly.

"We must all know that the security of lives and property on the road or highway is our collective responsibility," Abayomi stated

For Ondo State, the police image maker said, Security personnel have been deployed to enhance the safety of travelers, as Travelers' safety can be guaranteed both during the day and at night.

The police reassured residents and travelers of enhanced security on major highways while urging motorists to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security agencies to ensure safer road travel.

Speaking on the safety of drivers in a time like this, the Public Enlightenment Officer, Ondo State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), DRC Abiola Fadumo, said the agency has been carrying out public education and enlightenment programs for commercial drivers. 

He added that drivers have been advised to make sure their vehicles are in good and perfect condition before starting any journey.

“Drivers must ensure they avoid night travels. The reason for avoiding night journeys is that security risks are higher at night, and they may get little or no help if anything happens,” Fadumo explained.

The FRSC image maker noted that because of insecurity, drivers must take extra precautions before traveling, adding that after about four hours of driving, they should stop and rest.