A self-defense and martial arts expert, Oladimeji Etiko, has urged Nigerians to develop personal safety skills, describing self-defense as an essential life skill in the face of increasing security threats, including kidnapping, robbery and violent attacks.
Etiko, who spoke during an interview on Trade FM’s Breakfast Business Briefing, said self-defense should not be viewed only as the ability to fight, but as a combination of awareness, avoidance and appropriate action when necessary.
According to him, the first and most important stage of self-defense is developing the ability to identify potential threats before they escalate.
“Awareness happens to be the most important thing. The ability to sense threats first and then avoid them. Action is the last point of self-defense, and that is where physical training comes in,” he said.
Awareness and Avoidance as Key Safety Measures
Etiko explained that many security threats can be avoided when individuals pay closer attention to their surroundings and recognise early warning signs.
He identified suspicious behaviours such as repeatedly being watched, followed, or approached by strangers asking unnecessary personal questions as signs people should not ignore.
The expert advised Nigerians to reduce distractions while moving around, particularly excessive use of mobile phones in public spaces.
He noted that criminals often target individuals they perceive as vulnerable, adding that confidence, alertness and assertiveness can make a person less attractive to potential attackers.
He also encouraged people to develop the ability to think quickly and adapt to situations, stressing that personal safety goes beyond physical combat.
“Self-defense goes beyond fighting. It is about seeing a situation, assessing it and thinking of the best possible solution to get out of it,” he said.
Safety Precautions During Travel
With many kidnapping incidents occurring during routine movements and journeys, Etiko advised Nigerians to adopt proactive safety measures before and during travel.
He urged people to always inform family members or trusted persons about their destinations, routes and travel plans.
He also advised travellers to identify safe locations along their routes, remain observant while driving, avoid isolated areas and stop only in places where there are people around.
According to him, unusual situations such as a vehicle following someone for an extended period should not be ignored.
He encouraged motorists to seek safety in crowded areas, filling stations or checkpoints if they suspect they are being followed.
Children Need Safety Education
Etiko said personal safety education should begin early, particularly among children, adding that young people must be taught awareness, threat recognition and how to seek help.
He explained that at his martial arts training centre, children are taught that the best fight is the one they avoid.
He said children should learn de-escalation skills, how to identify trusted adults and how to report uncomfortable situations to their parents or guardians.
The expert warned parents to create an environment where children feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues without fear of judgment.
He added that children should understand that not every adult is trustworthy, especially when someone asks inappropriate private questions or attempts to isolate them.
Women Should Focus on Survival Strategies
On women’s safety, Etiko advised against relying solely on physical strength during dangerous encounters.
He said women should prioritise awareness, avoidance and escape strategies, while learning practical self-defense techniques that can help them create opportunities to get away from threats.
He explained that techniques such as joint locks and understanding vulnerable points on the body can help individuals escape dangerous situations without relying on physical strength.
However, he stressed that confrontation should always be the last option.
“If you can avoid a threat, avoid it. If you cannot avoid it, create awareness and seek help. Physical action should only come as a last resort,” he said.
Community Security Remains Critical
Etiko also highlighted the importance of community relationships in preventing crime, describing community awareness and cooperation as one of the most underrated security measures.
He said neighbours who know one another are better positioned to identify suspicious activities and support one another during emergencies.
According to him, strong communities make it more difficult for criminals to operate unnoticed.
He urged Nigerians to rebuild stronger relationships within their neighbourhoods rather than living in isolation.
Avoid Oversharing Personal Information
The security expert warned Nigerians against sharing sensitive personal information, especially financial details, in public places.
He said careless conversations about wealth, travel plans or possessions could expose individuals to criminal targeting.
Etiko advised people to be cautious about what they share online and in public, including avoiding real-time updates about their locations.
“Do not share your location while you are still there. Wait until you leave before sharing. You are sharing your data and your plans, which could make you vulnerable,” he cautioned.
Choosing the Right Self-Defense Training
With the growing popularity of martial arts and self-defense programmes, Etiko advised Nigerians to carefully verify instructors before enrolling.
He encouraged people to look beyond flashy titles and assess whether trainers are credible, whether safety is prioritised and whether the lessons are practical.
According to him, effective self-defense training must be applicable to real-life situations rather than being limited to demonstrations.
Call for Self-Defense Education in Schools
Etiko advocated for the inclusion of personal safety and self-defense education in Nigerian schools, describing it as a skill that can benefit individuals throughout their lives.
He said safety education should become part of the country’s culture because students need to be safe before they can successfully pursue academic and personal goals.
Survival Should Be the Priority During Attacks
In the event of violent attacks or suspected abduction attempts, Etiko advised individuals to prioritise survival over property or pride.
He urged people to remain calm, assess situations carefully and avoid unnecessary confrontation.
According to him, individuals should apply lessons from safety training, maintain distance from threats where possible and focus on creating opportunities to escape.
“Put your ego aside. The first thing is survival. Whatever property you have can be replaced, but your life cannot,” he said.
Etiko stressed that being security-conscious does not mean living in fear, but rather developing the awareness and discipline needed to make safer decisions in everyday life.
