A Nigerian truck driver has taken to social media to share a stark visual of the perilous reality on the nation's highways and the personal survival strategies he employs daily. The video, posted amid a persistent security crisis marked by kidnappings and banditry, offers a raw glimpse into the constant vigilance required for those who ply long, isolated routes.
A Journey on High Alert: The Driver's Reality
The driver, who uses the TikTok handle @walehabeeb0, posted a video capturing a moment during one of his journeys. The footage underscores the profound loneliness and potential danger of certain stretches of Nigerian road, where the absence of other vehicles becomes a warning sign in itself.
In a candid narration accompanying the video, Wale explained his critical rule of thumb. He stated that if he drives for five to ten minutes without seeing an oncoming vehicle, his alertness level immediately spikes to maximum. This heightened state of awareness is a direct response to the rampant security threats confronting travellers, particularly on remote roads.
The "Japa" Readiness: A Strategy for Survival
Wale's primary survival strategy hinges on preparedness for immediate flight—a concept colloquially known as "japa." He emphasized that in the event of an encounter with kidnappers or bandits, the best and often only course of action is to abandon the vehicle and escape.
He pragmatically, yet grimly, noted that if a driver is kidnapped, the company will simply retrieve its truck, leaving the individual to their fate. "You are gone o, nobody is going to fight for you," he warned. To facilitate a quick getaway, Wale keeps his phone in his hand and a cross-body bag by his side at all times. "Anything can happen. That's why my phone is always on my hand. And my cross bag is always by my side, so anything, I carry it and japa," he advised.
His message to fellow drivers is unequivocal: "So whatever is going to happen should happen, but if anything happen to you, company will come and pick their car. They will abandon you. So if you are on any lonely road, night, afternoon or day time, if you don't see any bus, any car or machine, around five to 10 minutes, my brother, always be 120% active and alert. Any gbege (trouble), remove your key, carry your phone and your bag and japa."
Public Reaction and a Related Transport Tale
The driver's video sparked reactions from netizens, with many offering prayers for his safety, such as user @Ijaya kemo Queen who commented, "God will be with you." Others added their own practical tips for long-haul drivers.
This story echoes broader concerns about road safety and transport conditions in Nigeria. In a related incident reported by Legit.ng, a Nigerian lady shared a video showing a public bus driver who had to improvise by using his mouth to blow a trumpet because the vehicle's horn was not functional, highlighting the often makeshift and challenging nature of road travel.
The account from @walehabeeb0, published on December 2, 2025, serves as a sobering, first-hand manual for survival in an environment where official security assurances are often absent, and personal alertness is the most valuable asset. It is a stark reminder of the human cost of the nation's security challenges, felt acutely by those whose livelihoods keep them on the move.
