It is no news that the spate of kidnapping and abduction in the nation today is on the rise. As much as the appropriate authorities and government agencies are leaving no stone unturned in taming this ugly trend, the realities hit us in the face every day – with almost no newspaper going to press without a story about kidnapping and allied crimes.

But do you know that in the chaos surrounding the kidnapping, the attackers are sometimes vulnerable? So we have decided to bring you some professional advice you can share with your colleagues, friends and close circle members – just in case. So, in a hostage situation, here are four things to consider. However, if you do not have a clear and safe means of escape, we strongly advise that you comply and not fight – it’s important to remember that people are working to get you released.

• Stay Alert: Once taken, you’ll usually be brought to one or more transitory spots before you arrive the long-term internment, usually the camp of your captors. Those intermediate locations may provide opportunities to escape as well – if you are not blind folded. Keep your eyes open for situations advantageous to you while you are being transited to your likely ‘base’. However, we advise you think of escape with a lot of caution!

• Seek convenience: In cases where escape is not an option, you’d need to stay well and alive. So you can suggest to your captors few things that will increase your health and improve your living circumstance. You can gently request for a pillow, blanket, or other essentials that will ensure your comfort. Remember: escape is not an option, the best you want to do is make yourself comfortable. Most times, your captors are interested in the ransom not your life. Things like a pillow or blanket, for example, can go a long way in making you comfortable in an otherwise difficult situation.

• Never Try to attack the captors: If there’s a rescue attempt, do not help your rescue force to attack your captors. Let the rescue team do their job; you’re not James Bond. Usually, when a rescue force comes into situations like this, they’re looking for violent or non-violent behaviors. They’re looking at hands, because hands carry weapons. If you make an aggressive movement, especially in the dark, you could be seen as being violent toward them or mistaken as one of the ‘bad guys’. Do exactly as you are told. Stay calm. Let the rescue force do their job.

• It’s not yet time for Pats on the Back: Rescuers don’t want you hugging or backslapping them during the raid. You can show your appreciation later. When they invade the kidnappers’ camp to rescue you, remember they don’t know you; all they have is your description, and they need to make sure you don’t have any weapons, and you haven’t become sympathetic with your captors. They can’t figure that immediately. So, stay calm, show your hands, and stay safe. It will be time for hugging and pats on the back after you’ve been rescued.

This Article is by Alpha Mead Security Systems and Technologies (AMST). Please Click Here to subscribe to our daily security update. To know more about us, visit our website Here.