How to Stay Safe in Nigeria
1. Introduction
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation (estimated 220+ million people) and its largest economy. Lagos is one of Africa’s most dynamic megacities and Abuja is a modern planned capital. Nigeria is a country of enormous energy, cultural richness, entrepreneurship, Nollywood film industry, and diverse ethnicities—over 250 distinct groups speak over 500 languages. It also has significant tourist attractions: Yankari Game Reserve, Olumo Rock, Badagry slave history, and vibrant urban culture.
However, Nigeria presents very serious safety challenges. Crime rates are high, particularly in Lagos. The northeast faces a longstanding Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency. The Niger Delta has intercommunal violence and kidnapping for ransom. Bandits operate in the northwest. Most Western governments rate Nigeria as ‘exercise extreme caution’ with specific regions rated as ‘do not travel.’
| ⚠ Multi-Tiered Risk: Nigeria cannot be treated as uniformly risky or safe. Lagos and Abuja with proper precautions are manageable for prepared tourists. The northeast (Borno, Adamawa, Yobe) and parts of the northwest (Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto) are effectively war zones. Know the distinction before planning your itinerary. |
2. Security Landscape
Lagos has serious street crime—armed robbery, carjacking, phone and bag snatching—particularly in areas like Lagos Island, Oshodi, and at night in most parts of the city. However, upscale areas (Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikoyi) with proper precautions are manageable. Abuja is generally calmer but has experienced terrorist attacks and crime.
The northeast is a combat zone. Boko Haram and ISWAP have killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and regularly attack military and civilian targets. The northwest has experienced mass kidnappings of schoolchildren and highway banditry. The Niger Delta (Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta states) has petroleum-related violence, kidnapping for ransom targeting oil workers, and pipeline explosions.
| ⚠ Kidnapping: Kidnapping for ransom is a serious and growing threat across multiple regions of Nigeria—northwest bandits, Niger Delta militant groups, and criminal gangs in Lagos have all engaged in kidnapping. Western nationals are viewed as high-value targets. |
3. Safe vs. Risky Areas
Relatively Manageable (with significant precautions)
Victoria Island and Lekki (Lagos): International hotels, restaurants, and commercial zones with security measures. Ikoyi (Lagos): Diplomatic and affluent residential area. Abuja (especially Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse 2): Government and diplomatic districts. Calabar: Generally calmer city with tourist infrastructure (Obudu Cattle Ranch, Cross River National Park).
High Risk / Avoid
All of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states (northeast): Active Boko Haram/ISWAP conflict. Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kebbi (northwest): Bandit kidnappings and highway robbery. Niger Delta states (Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta): Militant activity and kidnapping. Oshodi, Mushin, Ajegunle (Lagos): High street crime.
| ⚠ DO NOT TRAVEL Zones: The following states carry DO NOT TRAVEL advisories from multiple Western governments: Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto. Do not enter these areas under any circumstances. |
4. Transportation Safety
Lagos road traffic is legendary for its density and chaos. ‘Go-slow’ traffic jams can last hours. Road accidents are extremely common. Motorbike taxis (okadas) and tricycles (keke) are cheap but dangerous. Use Uber or Bolt in Lagos and Abuja—these are the safest ground transport options and provide traceability.
Domestic flights connect major cities (Air Peace, Ibom Air). Flying is far safer than intercity road travel. Long-distance bus travel is generally not recommended for tourists—buses are often overcrowded and road conditions outside major cities are poor. Night road travel is particularly dangerous due to bandit activity on highways.
| ✔ App-Based Transport: Uber and Bolt are widely available in Lagos and Abuja. They provide metered, traceable rides with driver identification—significantly safer than street taxis. Always sit in the back seat and keep windows up in heavy traffic. |
| ⚠ One-Way Street Scam: Lagos street drivers sometimes take deliberately circuitous routes to inflate fares. App-based rides eliminate this risk with route tracking. |
5. Health & Medical Safety
Nigeria has significant health risks. Malaria is endemic and a major cause of death. Yellow fever vaccination is required. Lassa fever, cholera, meningitis, typhoid, monkey pox, and polio (Nigeria was only recently removed from the poliovirus endemic list) are all present. The northeast has additional risks from displaced population conditions.
Private hospitals in Lagos (Reddington Hospital, Eko Hospital, Island General) and Abuja (National Hospital, Garki Hospital, Nisa Premier) provide reasonable care. Public hospitals vary enormously but are generally under-resourced. Medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended as backup for any serious condition.
Tap water is unsafe. Use only sealed bottled water. Street food is a high-risk category for gastrointestinal illness; choose freshly cooked food from busy, reputable establishments. Lagos is one of the most polluted cities in Africa—air quality can be a concern for people with respiratory conditions.
6. Common Scams & How to Avoid Them
| Scam Name | How It Works | How to Avoid It |
| Advance Fee Fraud (419 Scam) | Nigeria is the world’s most famous source of advance fee fraud: elaborate schemes promising large sums in exchange for upfront ‘fees’ or banking details. These now often involve romance scams online. | Never respond to unsolicited offers of money, business deals, or inheritances. Never wire money to anyone you haven’t met in person. Report to your national anti-fraud authority. |
| ‘Black Dollar’ or Currency Swap Scam | A person claims to have millions of defaced or marked US dollars that can be chemically cleaned using a special solution (which you are sold). The dollars are fake. | Ignore completely. Any offer involving ‘hidden’ currency, marked bills, or special cleaning processes is fraudulent. |
| Immigration/Customs Bribery Demand | Officials at airports or borders claim a document problem and hint at resolution through payment. | Request official documentation of any issue. Ask to speak with a supervisor. Do not hand over original documents. |
| Fake Police Arrest | Plain-clothes ‘police’ detain you claiming you have committed a crime, then demand payment to release you. | Ask to see official ID and badge. Request to go to the nearest police station. Call your embassy immediately. |
| Oil Business Scam | Someone posing as an oil executive offers a lucrative contract or investment opportunity requiring upfront ‘facilitation’ or ‘registration’ fees. | Legitimate petroleum investment does not begin with unsolicited contacts and upfront fees. Ignore. |
| Overcharging at Markets | Market vendors in Lagos Island, Balogun Market, and Onitsha quote prices many times higher for tourists. | Research fair prices beforehand. Start at 25% of the asking price. Walk away if the price doesn’t come down significantly. |
| ATM Skimming | Devices installed on ATMs capture card data and PIN. This is widespread in Nigeria. | Use bank-branch ATMs only, during banking hours, and in well-lit areas. Cover keypad when entering PIN. Monitor accounts daily. |
| Taxi Kidnapping | Passengers are picked up in unmarked taxis, additional passengers added mid-journey, and then robbed or taken to a remote location. | Use only Uber, Bolt, or hotel-arranged transport. Never get into a taxi with strangers already in it. |
| SIM Swap / Phone Fraud | Someone gains access to your phone number through social engineering of telecom staff, intercepting banking OTPs. | Use authenticator apps rather than SMS-based two-factor authentication. Contact your telecom if service suddenly stops. |
7. Legal Considerations
Nigeria has complex laws reflecting its federal system and the 12 northern states that operate under Sharia law for civil and criminal matters. In Sharia states, alcohol consumption by Muslims is prohibited; tourists are generally exempt but should be respectful. Dress modestly in northern states.
Homosexuality is illegal in Nigeria—the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act carries up to 14 years imprisonment. In Sharia states, it can carry the death penalty. LGBTQ+ tourists must exercise extreme discretion and are strongly advised not to travel to northern states.
Drug possession and trafficking carry severe penalties including death by firing squad historically (now rare but still on books). Photography of military installations, government buildings, and infrastructure is restricted. Drone operation requires prior government permission.
| ⚠ Photography Warning: Nigerians can be sensitive about photography, particularly in markets, slums, or security-related areas. Ask permission. Getting photographed near military installations can lead to detention. |
8. Cultural Awareness
Nigeria’s cultural diversity is enormous—Yoruba in the southwest, Igbo in the southeast, Hausa-Fulani in the north, and hundreds of other ethnic groups. Each has its own customs, languages, and social norms. Show genuine curiosity and respect.
Nigeria is deeply religious—both Christianity and Islam are practised with great fervour, often side by side in the same families. Sunday church services and Friday mosque attendance are major social institutions. Respect religious practices and sites.
| ✔ Hospitality: Nigerian hospitality is legendary. Being invited to someone’s home is a significant honour. Bring a small gift (pastries, drinks) and never refuse food—refusing is considered rude. Use your right hand to eat and give/receive items in traditional settings. |
9. Emergency Contacts
| Service | Number / Info |
| Police Emergency | 199 or 112 |
| Fire Service | 01 460 6701 (Lagos) |
| Reddington Hospital Lagos | +234 1 448 9000 |
| National Hospital Abuja | +234 9 461 0986 |
| US Embassy Abuja | +234 9 461 4000 |
| British High Commission Abuja | +234 9 413 2010 |
| Uber / Bolt | Via app |
| FRSC Road Safety | 122 |
10. Pre-Departure Safety Checklist
- Read current government travel advisory—note state-by-state warnings
- Obtain Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (strictly required)
- Begin antimalarial medication before departure
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage
- Book accommodation in secure, reputable hotels in low-risk districts
- Install Uber and Bolt before departure and set up payment
- Carry USD and local NGN cash—ATMs can be unreliable
- Register with your embassy before arrival
- Avoid showing expensive electronics or jewellery publicly
- Research your specific itinerary against current state-level security conditions
- Plan daytime-only travel and avoid road travel after dark
- Keep digital and physical copies of all documents separately
