By Tosin Adesile
DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Police Command, has urged Nigerians to strengthen their personal security, protect their financial information and remain vigilant against criminal activities during the ember months.
Babaseyi gave the advice during a monthly security discourse organised by Sparklight News on Sunday, October 25, 2026, where he highlighted practical measures for preventing crime, avoiding financial fraud and staying safe during the festive season.
The virtual engagement, moderated by Sunday Kolawole, focused on personal safety, digital security, public conduct, kidnapping prevention and security awareness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Babaseyi attributed heightened security concerns during the ember months to increased travel, commercial activities, family reunions and social gatherings, noting that financial pressure and the desire to meet festive spending expectations could push some people towards criminal activities.
He advised residents to cultivate five essential security habits: observing their surroundings, protecting valuables, safeguarding personal information, preparing for emergencies and trusting their instincts when confronted with suspicious situations.
The police spokesperson warned against displaying large sums of money and expensive belongings in public, disclosing travel plans or sharing live locations indiscriminately on social media. He also advised travellers to keep their phones charged, save emergency contacts and inform trusted persons about their itineraries.
On digital and financial security, Babaseyi cautioned against clicking suspicious links, sharing one-time passwords (OTPs) and responding hastily to urgent requests for money.
He urged people who receive messages requesting transfers to unfamiliar bank accounts, even when the messages carry photographs of relatives or friends, to call the individuals directly and independently verify the requests before sending money.
He also recommended activating SIM-card locks to reduce the risk of unauthorised access to personal information and financial accounts if a phone is stolen.
Addressing safety at public gatherings, markets and crowded venues, Babaseyi advised participants to identify entry and exit points upon arrival, secure their belongings and keep a close watch on children.
He warned against rushing towards the scene of an explosion or other emergency, citing the danger of secondary incidents. He also urged members of the public to move away immediately from leaking fuel tankers or vehicles rather than stopping to record videos.
The police spokesperson further cautioned against violent confrontations, stressing that disagreements could escalate into fatal incidents. He cited a reported case involving a butcher who allegedly stabbed a colleague to death during a dispute, using it to illustrate the potentially deadly consequences of seemingly minor arguments.
On crime reporting, Babaseyi urged residents to verify information before sharing it on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, warning that false reports could cause public panic and interfere with emergency responses.
He encouraged residents to establish contact with their nearest police stations, familiarise themselves with local security arrangements and provide officers with timely, accurate information that could assist crime prevention.
The discourse also addressed kidnapping and abduction. Babaseyi advised people travelling to share their itineraries and live locations with trusted contacts. He said that if a person was abducted, preserving their safety should remain the priority, cautioning against actions that could escalate danger or compromise rescue efforts.
With political activities expected to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, he urged Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used for political violence or intimidation. He encouraged citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, participate peacefully in the electoral process and familiarise themselves with applicable electoral laws.
Participants also discussed the need to balance social engagement with personal security. Babaseyi advised people to limit the personal information they disclose publicly, particularly details about their families, routines, locations and travel arrangements.
The convener, Oluwatosin Adesile, said the discourse was intended to equip participants with practical knowledge to protect themselves, their families and their communities during the festive period.
The session concluded with a call for greater cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies, responsible information sharing and the adoption of simple daily security practices to reduce exposure to avoidable risks.
