The Sanity Multi-Efforts Forum (SMEF), under the leadership of Prince Dan Olaitan Dada, has called on Nigerians to complement government security efforts with heightened personal vigilance and civic responsibility.
In a public advisory released yesterday, SMEF acknowledged the ongoing measures by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. The group noted that since assuming office, the administration has prioritized the re-equipping of security agencies, improved inter-agency coordination, and deployed both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to address banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and communal conflicts nationwide.
SMEF also observed that Nigeria’s current security challenges are structural and predated the present administration. The persistence of asymmetric threats in the North East, banditry in the North West, farmer-herder conflicts in the North Central, and isolated incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery in other regions, it said, requires sustained and collective action by government, civil society, and citizens.
“In light of these realities and the increasing global discourse on Nigeria’s stability, SMEF is issuing this advisory to promote informed vigilance and personal safety without causing panic,” the statement read. “National resilience begins with an alert and prepared citizenry.”
Key Recommendations for Public Safety
SMEF’s Civic Security Advisory 2026/01 outlines practical steps for citizens to reduce personal risk:
1. Maintain Situational Awareness
Citizens are advised to stay informed through credible news outlets and to balance faith and prayer with practical precautions. The forum stressed that no location or status guarantees immunity from criminal activity.
2. Limit Late-Night Movement
Data from security agencies indicate that a significant number of attacks occur between 7:00 PM and 5:00 AM. SMEF recommends that residents be indoors or close to their residences by 6:00 PM, except where official duties require otherwise.
3. Exercise Caution in Travel
The forum advised against the use of marked vehicles with organizational logos or political insignia and discouraged non-essential group travel. Citizens should avoid accepting rides from unknown drivers and prioritize verified public transport options.
4. Adopt Low-Profile Conduct in Public
SMEF urged Nigerians to dress modestly, avoid conspicuous display of wealth, and refrain from attending events where they have no direct stake. Practical footwear and unrestricted clothing are recommended for ease of movement in emergencies.
5. Practice Digital and Personal Safety
The group warned against meeting individuals met solely online and cautioned against public discussions of sensitive political and security matters. Maintaining charged phones and power banks was also highlighted as essential.
6. Respond Calmly in Emergencies
SMEF emphasized that panic exacerbates danger. In the event of an attack, citizens should seek cover, silence electronic devices, and prioritize evasion and concealment over confrontation.
7. Strengthen Community Awareness
Residents should familiarize themselves with quick routes to safety, keep small cash for emergency transport, and avoid lingering at scenes of incidents or public disturbances.
A Shared Responsibility
SMEF commended the sacrifices of Nigeria’s security forces and reiterated its support for the federal government’s efforts to restore nationwide stability. However, the forum stressed that security remains a shared responsibility.
“Every citizen must adopt a culture of proactive safety, situational awareness, and community vigilance,” the statement concluded. “Together, we can deny criminal elements the opportunity to destabilize our communities.”
The advisory was signed by the Management of the Sanity Multi-Efforts Forum, which describes its mission as “Promoting Sanity, Security, and Social Responsibility in Nigeria.”
