Insecurity: How to Survive in the “Kidnappers’ Den”

Though mass kidnappings make it more to the news, several more individuals are kidnapped in every state of the country daily. Whether one is kidnapped alone or in company, the emotional response for losing’s ones freedom, the uncertainty on how to relate with the captors and the daily threat to life which maybe individualized even in mass kidnap situation is close and personal. Will a set of “Dos and Don’ts“ help if we are confronted?, Definitely being prepared does alter the probability of getting activating well thought plans increasing the chances of “not jumping at the breaks”
Every hostage or kidnap situation is different. Not only are the kidnappers motivated by different things, each may have his own peculiar personality and each is driven by different ideology. If you throw in drug use by the kidnappers the variables one would have to deal with gets more complicated. Though are no strict rules of behavior that guarantees the desirable outcome, certain steps taken can minimize the effects of detention. If you are taken hostage or kidnapped, there are a number of options which could enhance your ability to cope and to see the incident through to a successful release. The following compilations are techniques that were used successfully by persons who were taken captive and survived to ell their stories:

(a) At the time of your seizure, comply with all instructions given by your captors. There is a possibility that you will be blindfolded and depending on their level of preparedness or sophistication, drugged. You may be injured if you attempt to resist armed individuals. Do not fight back. Your attempt may aggravate the situation. Being wounded may exponentially reduce your chances of survival!
(b) Do not be a hero; do not talk back or act “tough”. Accept your situation. Any action on your part could result in a violent reaction from your captors.
(c) Immediately after you have been taken, pause, take a deep breath and try to relax. Fear of death or injury is a normal reaction to this situation. Recognizing your reactions may help you adapt more effectively.
(d) The first 15 to 45 minutes of a hostage situation are the most dangerous. Follow the instructions of your captors. Your captors are in a highly emotional state themselves, in a fight or flight reactive state and could strike out. Your job is to survive. After the initial shock wears off, your captors are able to better recognize their position.
(e) Be prepared to explain everything you have on your person.
(f) Keep a low profile. Avoid appearing to study your abductors, although, to the extent possible, you should make mental notes about their mannerisms, clothes and apparent rank structure. This may help investigators after your release;
(g) Be cooperative and obey hostage-takers’ demands without appearing either servile or antagonistic. Be conscious of your body language as well as your speech. Do not say or do anything to arouse the hostility or suspicions of your captors. Do not be
argumentative. Act neutral and be a good listener to your captors. Do not speak unless spoken to, and then only when necessary. Be cautious about making suggestions to your captors, as you may be held responsible if something you suggest goes wrong;
(h) Anticipate isolation and possible efforts by the hostage-takers to disorient you, including unverifiable stories by your captors or frequent movements to different locations;
(i) Try to keep cool by focusing your mind on pleasant scenes or memories or prayers. Create games and amusement in your mind. Try to recall the plots of movies or books. These may keep you mentally active;
(j) Ask for anything you need or want (medicines, books, and paper). All they can say is no;
(k) Build rapport with your captors. Find areas of mutual interest which emphasize personal rather than political interests. An excellent topic of discussion is family and children. If you speak their language, use it — it will enhance communications and rapport;
(l) Exercise daily. Develop a daily physical fitness programme and stick to it;
(m) As a result of the hostage situation, you may have difficulty retaining fluids and may experience a loss of appetite and weight. Try to drink water and eat even if you are not hungry. It is important to maintain strength;
(n) Do not make threats against hostage-takers or give any indication that you would testify against them. If hostage-takers are attempting to conceal their identities, give no indication that you recognize them;
(o) It is important that your abductors view you as a person worthy of compassion and mercy. Never beg, plead or cry. You must gain your captors’ respect as well as sympathy;
(p) If you end up serving as negotiator between hostage-takers and authorities, make sure the messages are conveyed accurately. Be prepared to speak on the radio or telephone;
(q) If there is a rescue attempt by force, drop quickly to the floor and seek cover. Keep your hands on your head. When appropriate, identify yourself;
(r) Escape only if you are sure you will be successful. If you are caught, your captors may use violence to teach you and possibly others a lesson;
(s) As much as possible, stay well-groomed and clean. Stay healthy until you are freed.

Conclusion
We are not in captivity now and the Nigerian Police has shared security tips for personal protection like reducing routines and sharing less personal information. These and all the other measures they propose should reduce the chances of falling prey to kidnappers. Are there any things we can do now, any skills we can learn now to make life more bearable if we are in captivity? It has been mentioned getting injured during kidnapping or health conditions during captivity mat reduce the chances of coming out alive. Do we have any unresolved health issues? It may be in our best interest to be in best health possible now. We have information several victims have been made to walk several kilometers. How physically fit are we? Maybe its time to start the daily exercise we have been planning to. There was also that advice to stay calm and relax and for several people it is easier said than done. Can we take time out and learn simple breathing exercise for relaxation?
One would only hope the country gets more secure and kidnapping ceases. The security brief of the police works and we do not become victims. We keep physically fit and healthy and mentally calm and in control. Even if we are not victims we benefit from the good health. If we become victims we remember the above and ”not touch the brakes”