Not everyone knows what to do in an emergency, and that can be dangerous.
In Nigeria, several agencies provide help during accidents, medical crises, fires, or security threats. However, many people do not have their contact numbers saved or even know they exist. When faced with an urgent situation, this lack of information can cause delays that put lives and property at risk.
Having emergency numbers saved on your phone ensures that you can reach the right service quickly when needed. Whether it’s medical assistance, security support, or disaster response, knowing who to call can save lives.
This article provides a comprehensive list of essential emergency numbers in Nigeria and how to use them effectively.
How Do Emergency Numbers Work?
When you dial an emergency number, your call is routed to a dispatch center where trained operators assess the situation and coordinate the right response. These professionals gather crucial details from callers and quickly connect them to the appropriate emergency services.
In Nigeria, both the government and private sector provide hotlines for various emergencies, ensuring help is just a call away.
Emergency numbers are more than just digits, they are lifelines that link people to critical help in moments of crisis. Knowing them can bring peace of mind and could even save a life.
List of Emergency Numbers in Nigeria
For swift response during emergencies, it is essential to have access to the right contact numbers. Below is a list of key emergency hotlines in Nigeria:
1. Nigeria’s Toll-Free Emergency Numbers
In Nigeria, the primary toll-free emergency number is 112, similar to 911 in the United States.
- 112 – connects callers to the police, fire service, medical teams, and disaster response agencies across the country.
- 122 – Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for road-related emergencies.
- 767 – Lagos State emergency number for security and emergency services within Lagos.
These numbers work 24/7 and can be dialed free of charge on all networks. Save them now for quick access during emergencies.
2. Medical Emergency Numbers
While the general emergency number 112 connects you to various services, including medical aid, here are specific contacts for medical emergencies:
Emergency Response Africa (ERA)
- Phone: 0 8000 2255 372 (toll-free)
- Service: Provides rapid ambulance dispatch and emergency medical care across Nigeria.
Nigeria Red Cross Society
- Phone: 0803 123 0430, 0809 993 7357
- Service: Offers first aid, disaster response, and humanitarian medical services.
The National Hospital Abuja Emergency Line
- Phone: 0809 752 0012
- Service: Handles critical medical emergencies, trauma, and accident cases in Abuja.
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
- Phone: 122 (toll-free)
- Service: Assists road accident victims with first aid and ambulance support.
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
- Phone: 0800 1020 3040 (toll-free)
- Service: Handles drug overdose cases, rehabilitation support, and reports of illegal drug activities.
Are you in Lagos and need an ambulance? Here are 10 ambulance services you can call: Top 10 Ambulance Services in Lagos
3. Security and Law Enforcement Emergency Numbers
For security threats, crimes, and law enforcement assistance, Nigeria has dedicated emergency numbers to help citizens report incidents quickly.
Police Emergency Number
- 199 (Nationwide) – Connects to the Nigeria Police Force for all security-related emergencies.
- 767 (Lagos State) – Direct access to police and emergency response teams in Lagos.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Complaint Desk
- Phone: 0803 716 8147
- Service: Takes reports relating to police misconduct, harassment, or delayed response.
Rapid Response Squad (RRS) – Lagos
- Phone: 0905 395 0347
- Service: Provides quick police intervention for crime and emergencies in Lagos.
State Security Service (SSS / DSS)
- Phone: 09153391309, 09153391310, o9088373514
- Service: Handles national security concerns, intelligence gathering, and anti-terrorism operations.
Nigerian Army Human Rights Desk
- Phone: 0816 013 4303, 0816 150 7644
- Service: Handles complaints about human rights violations involving military personnel.
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- Phone: 08060003181, 08032898909, 08066005861, 08032928878, 07034322058
- Service: Provides security for critical infrastructure, disaster response, and public safety enforcement.
Amotekun Corps (Southwest Regional Security)
- Phone: Varies by state (e.g., Ogun: 09155434770 )
- Service: Provides community-based security, anti-crime patrols, and intelligence gathering in Southwestern states.
4. Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health Emergency Numbers
For cases of domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, or mental health crises, contact the following helplines:
Rape Helpline
- Phone: 080072732255 (toll-free)
- Service: Provides support for rape survivors, including counseling and legal assistance.
Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP)
- Phone: 0807 658 7873
- Service: Promotes women’s rights, health, and well-being through advocacy, legal support, and community-based health programs..
Child Abuse Hotline
- Phone: 08085753932, 08102678442
- Service: Reports cases of child neglect, abuse, and exploitation.
Depression & Suicide Prevention Initiative
- Phone: 0023419125106
- Service: Mental health crisis intervention, suicide prevention counseling, and emotional support.
5. Disaster and Environmental Emergency Numbers
For emergencies related to natural disasters, building collapses, and environmental hazards, these agencies provide immediate response and assistance:
Federal Fire Service (FFS)
- Phone: 0803 200 3557, 112 (toll-free)
- Service: Handles fire emergencies, rescue operations, and fire safety education.
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
- Phone: 0800 22 55 63 62, 0800-CALL-NEMA (toll-free)
- Service: Coordinates disaster response, including floods, fires, collapsed buildings and other emergencies.
How to Use Emergency Numbers Effectively
Calling an emergency number is more than just dialing digits. To ensure a quick and effective response, follow these steps:
- Stay calm and speak clearly. Panic can make it harder for responders to understand you.
- Provide your exact location. Give clear details about your address, landmarks, or street name to avoid delays.
- Describe the emergency (e.g., fire, medical crisis, accident, security threat).
- Give your contact details. If the call disconnects, emergency responders may need to call you back.
- Follow any instructions the operators may provide before help arrives.
- If you cannot reach one service, consider calling another relevant agency. Emergency Response Africa
Conclusion
Everyone hopes they never face an emergency, but if one happens, being prepared with the right contact numbers can help you get help faster and stay in control of the situation.
At Emergency Response Africa, we work to make sure medical help reaches people quickly when it’s needed most. Our emergency teams respond across Nigeria with trained professionals and real-time support.
Take a moment today to save these important numbers. Share them with your family, friends, and colleagues. Staying prepared doesn’t cost anything, but it can save everything.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Numbers in Nigeria
Are Emergency Numbers in Nigeria Toll-Free?
Yes, numbers like 112 (national emergency line) and 767 (Lagos State) are toll-free. Some specialized helplines, such as the NDLEA’s 0800 1020 3040 and ERA’s 0 8000 2255 372 are also free to call.
Can I Call Emergency Numbers Without Airtime?
Yes, toll-free emergency numbers work without airtime. However, some agency-specific numbers may require airtime, depending on your mobile network.
Is There a Number for Mental Health or Suicide Prevention?
Yes, you can call the Suicide Prevention Initiative at 0908 439 3373 for mental health support.
What Number Should I Call for Domestic Violence or Child Abuse?
Dial 0800 333 3333 for domestic violence or 0703 000 0021 for child abuse cases.
What Should I Do in Case of a Fire Outbreak?
Call 112 (toll-free) or the Federal Fire Service at 0803 200 3557 for a quick response. Ensure everyone evacuated safely.
What Should I Do If an Emergency Number Is Not Connecting?
Try another emergency line or switch networks. You can also contact private services like Emergency Response Africa (0 8000 2255 372), especially for medical emergencies.
