Scam in NigeriaTheft
Car hijacking in Nigeria
How it works
Attackers take control of a vehicle. Car hijacking is described as a significant crime problem in Lagos.
Warning signs
- Someone threatens you and demands your vehicle.
How to avoid it
- Keep vehicle doors locked.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Plan journeys so you do not have to stop in unfamiliar places.
If it happens to you
Prioritise your safety over the vehicle. Do not resist an armed attacker. Move somewhere safe before contacting the police.
- Get somewhere safe. If a robber is armed, stay calm, cooperate and do not chase them.
- Freeze any stolen or exposed cards. Contact your bank and dispute payments you did not approve.
- If your phone was stolen, use another device to lock it remotely and secure your email, banking and other important accounts.
- Save receipts, booking details, transaction records and a short account of what happened. Record vehicle details only if it is safe.
- Report the incident to the police and ask for a report reference or written record.
- Contact your embassy if you need help, especially after robbery or passport theft. Notify your insurer if you plan to claim.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government adviceSafety and security - Nigeria travel advice - GOV.UKUK travel advice reports frequent carjackings on roads across Nigeria and warns that foreign nationals may be targeted because of perceived wealth.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Nigeria travel adviceCanadian travel advice lists carjackings among violent crimes occurring frequently throughout Nigeria.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceNigeriaNew Zealand authorities identify carjacking as a violent-crime risk throughout Nigeria, alongside heightened crime at night.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the car hijacking scam in Nigeria?
Attackers take control of a vehicle. Car hijacking is described as a significant crime problem in Lagos.
How can I spot it early?
Someone threatens you and demands your vehicle.
How do I avoid car hijacking in Nigeria?
Keep vehicle doors locked. Keep valuables out of sight. Plan journeys so you do not have to stop in unfamiliar places.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Prioritise your safety over the vehicle. Do not resist an armed attacker. Move somewhere safe before contacting the police.
Where in Nigeria does this happen?
Lagos; no specific streets are identified It has been reported in Lagos.
How common is this scam in Nigeria?
Common. Travellers in Nigeria should watch for money-changing tricks, card fraud and unsafe unofficial taxis. Street money changers may short-change you, while card cloning and hotel-payment fraud are also reported. Theft and armed robbery are serious concerns, particularly in Lagos.
Are there similar scams in Nigeria?
Yes: armed robbery, including attacks on night road journeys, phone and wallet pickpocketing.
Who can I report it to?
Police: once safe, report robbery, theft or fraud. Provide the time, place, losses and any records. Ask for a report reference or written record. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze the card and report suspicious activity. Ask how to dispute unauthorised transactions. Your embassy: contact your embassy after a robbery or if your passport is stolen. In Abuja, embassy contact is specifically recommended after robbery. Hotel management or ride-booking provider: report an incident involving their service through reception or the booking app. Keep payment and booking records. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Ask which receipts, police records and other evidence are needed for a claim.
Reviewed by @snuck