Scam in NigerTheft
Robbery at ravine crossings in Niger
How it works
Robbers target people near ravine crossings. They can escape quickly into the ravine.
Warning signs
- Your walking route crosses the ravine.
- You are approaching one of the named robbery locations.
How to avoid it
- Avoid walking through the named crossings.
- Use a taxi to avoid exposed walking routes.
- Carry few valuables and keep them out of sight.
If it happens to you
Do not resist if threatened. Move to a safe place and seek police or medical help.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase thieves or resist armed attackers.
- Check for injuries and seek medical help if needed.
- Block stolen cards and contact your card issuer about any unauthorised payments.
- Save receipts, booking details and messages. Write down the time, place and a description of what happened.
- Report theft, fraud or violence to police when safe. Ask for a written report if available.
- Contact your embassy if your passport is missing or you are stranded. Notify your travel insurer and keep copies of your records.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the robbery at ravine crossings scam in Niger?
Robbers target people near ravine crossings. They can escape quickly into the ravine.
How can I spot it early?
Your walking route crosses the ravine. You are approaching one of the named robbery locations.
How do I avoid robbery at ravine crossings in Niger?
Avoid walking through the named crossings. Use a taxi to avoid exposed walking routes. Carry few valuables and keep them out of sight.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not resist if threatened. Move to a safe place and seek police or medical help.
Where in Niger does this happen?
Where roads cross the ravine, including between the Stade and Katako and between the Musée and Hotel Gaweye It has been reported in Niamey.
How common is this scam in Niger?
Occasional. Scams and fraud are common in Niger. Visitors may face fake requests for emergency money, inflated taxi fares, poor exchange rates and pressure to pay for unwanted help. Pickpocketing, bag theft and armed robbery also occur; outside Niamey, kidnapping and attacks on vehicles can be much more serious risks.
Are there similar scams in Niger?
Yes: bandit carjackings and kidnappings north of Agadez, market pickpocketing, cutting handbag straps.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, fraud, robbery or an attack when it is safe to do so. Give the location, time, description and any evidence. Ask for a written report if available. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen, you are stranded or you need help after a serious incident. Your card issuer: use the issuer's official app or contact number to block missing cards and report unauthorised transactions. Airport staff: ask staff for help if someone will not return your luggage or you feel threatened by an unwanted porter. Your travel insurer: report the incident through its official claims channel. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of your losses.
Reviewed by @snuck