A security analyst, Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, has cautioned that blood ties and familiarity should never be equated with safety, warning that serious threats often emerge from within trusted circles.
Adamu gave the warning on Friday in a security advisory titled “Family Threat Awareness”, following the recent killing of seven members of a family in Kano. Among the prime suspects already in police custody for the killings is Umar Auwalu, a 23-year-old nephew of the late mother of six.
According to Adamu, global criminological research shows that many serious crimes, including violent attacks and kidnappings, are committed by people known to the victims.
“In security, risk is not assessed by relationship, but by behaviour,” he said, stressing that trust does not eliminate danger when warning signs are present.
According to the analyst, changes in behaviour such as unexplained anger, aggression, withdrawal or hostile statements are early indicators that should not be ignored.
He also warned that verbal threats, including revenge statements, must be taken seriously and never dismissed as jokes.
Adamu noted that individuals with a history of violence, abuse or substance misuse pose a higher risk.
He added that past violent behaviour is a strong indicator of future actions.
“Do not expose household security information. Never allow anyone including relatives to have unrestricted access to periods when the house is empty, family movement patterns, security arrangements or access routes. In security analysis, information equals opportunity,” he advised.
The analyst also cautioned against allowing family loyalty or shame to prevent action when threats arise, noting that silence and delayed intervention have led to preventable tragedies.
On urban kidnapping, Adamu said investigations show that many cases are enabled by insiders who provide information, access or timing.
He urged families to report escalating threats to relevant authorities, insisting that reporting is prevention, not betrayal, and called for special attention to the protection of women and children, whom he described as the most vulnerable.
