Scam in NigeriaTaxis
Unofficial taxi traps in Nigeria
How it works
There is a small chance that an unofficial private taxi could be a trap. The exact method is not described.
Warning signs
- The vehicle is an unofficial private cab.
- You are being asked to share an airport cab with people you do not know.
How to avoid it
- Use an official Green Cab in Abuja.
- Board an airport cab only with people you know.
- Agree on the fare before entering.
- If using a ride-hailing app, check the driver and vehicle against the booking.
If it happens to you
If you feel unsafe and can leave safely, end the ride in a busy public place. If threatened, prioritise your safety and seek police help once safe.
- 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 advice2026Travel advice and advisories for NigeriaCanadian advice reports passengers being robbed by taxi drivers and warns against street-hailed taxis, strangers sharing rides and criminals posing as airport greeters.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceSafety and security - Nigeria travel advice - GOV.UKUK authorities warn of robbery and kidnapping in taxis and advise arranging trusted transport instead of accepting unsolicited lift offers.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the unofficial taxi traps scam in Nigeria?
There is a small chance that an unofficial private taxi could be a trap. The exact method is not described.
How can I spot it early?
The vehicle is an unofficial private cab. You are being asked to share an airport cab with people you do not know.
How do I avoid unofficial taxi traps in Nigeria?
Use an official Green Cab in Abuja. Board an airport cab only with people you know. Agree on the fare before entering. If using a ride-hailing app, check the driver and vehicle against the booking.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If you feel unsafe and can leave safely, end the ride in a busy public place. If threatened, prioritise your safety and seek police help once safe.
Where in Nigeria does this happen?
Privately operated unofficial taxis in Abuja It has been reported in Abuja.
How common is this scam in Nigeria?
Occasional. 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.
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