Don’t Fight Criminals, Save Your Life First — Police Advise Nigerians
The Nigeria Police Force has advised Nigerians to prioritise their personal safety by avoiding physical confrontation with criminals during attacks, robberies or other dangerous encounters, warning that resistance could escalate violence and lead to loss of life.
The advice was given by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, during a recent television interview, where he stressed that citizens should remain calm and focus on survival when faced with armed or violent criminals. According to the police, many criminal gangs operate with lethal weapons and unpredictable behaviour, making any attempt by victims to fight back extremely risky. The Force noted that while self-defence is understandable, untrained civilians engaging criminals often worsens the situation and may result in fatal consequences. The most important thing in such moments is your life,” the police spokesperson said. “Material possessions can be replaced, but lives cannot. Once you are safe, report the incident immediately so the police can take action. The warning comes amid ongoing security challenges across parts of the country, including armed robbery, kidnapping and violent crime. In recent months, there have been reported cases where victims were injured or killed after resisting attackers, prompting renewed calls for public awareness on personal safety. The police assured Nigerians that security agencies are intensifying efforts to tackle criminal networks through intelligence-led operations, patrols and arrests of suspected gangs, including notorious robbery and kidnapping syndicates in major cities. Citizens were encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement by promptly reporting crimes, providing useful information, and avoiding actions that could put their lives in danger. The police also urged communities to embrace preventive measures such as vigilance, neighbourhood watch initiatives and adherence to security advisories. The Force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, while calling on Nigerians to exercise caution and make safety their first priority when confronted by criminals.
