Emergency 101: Your Essential Guide to Nigerian Emergency Numbers and How to Use Them

​When a crisis strikes, every second counts. Knowing the right number to dial is not just helpful—it can be the difference between life and death.

​For every Nigerian, especially those in fast-paced cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, a solid understanding of our emergency services and their numbers is non-negotiable.

​Here is your essential guide to Nigeria’s primary emergency numbers and how you can use them effectively.

​ The National Lifeline: 112 (The All-in-One Emergency Number)

​The 112 number is Nigeria’s official, nationwide, toll-free emergency number. Established by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), this is the single number designed to be your first point of contact for virtually any emergency, across most parts of the country.

Emergency Number	Use	Coverage	Key Agencies It Connects You To
112	ALL EMERGENCIES (Police, Fire, Medical, Accidents)	Nationwide (linked to Emergency Communication Centres – ECCs)	Police, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Road Safety, Disaster Response Agencies

How to Use 112 Effectively

1. ​Stay Calm: Take a deep breath. Speak slowly and clearly.
2. ​State Your Location: Provide your exact address or the closest landmark (street name, bus stop, notable building). The ECCs are equipped with digital maps to help responders find you, but your clear description is vital.
3. ​Describe the Emergency: State clearly what is happening (e.g., “There is a fire outbreak at…” or “I need an ambulance for a road accident at…”).
4. ​Do Not Hang Up: The operator may need more details or instructions before dispatching the appropriate response team.

​ Essential Specific Emergency Numbers

​While 112 is the national umbrella, other specific numbers are crucial for particular types of emergencies.

​1. Road Safety: Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)

Emergency Number	Use	Coverage
122	Road Accidents & Emergencies	Nationwide (FRSC Control Room)

Use this for: Reporting fresh road accidents, requesting roadside assistance for severe road obstructions, or reporting dangerous driving.

​2. Lagos State Primary Emergency Numbers

​Lagos State, due to its size and complexity, has robust and well-publicized local emergency lines that integrate with the national 112 system.

Emergency Number	Use	Coverage
767 or 112	Lagos State Emergency Response Service (LASEMA)	Lagos State

Use this for: Coordinated response to fire, accidents, building collapse, major incidents, and other disasters within Lagos. These two numbers often work interchangeably for the state’s main services.

​3. Police and Security

​While 112 connects to the police, having the specific numbers for the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) or local control rooms can sometimes offer a more direct line of communication in some areas.

• ​Nigerian Police Force: Dial 112 or your local police command’s phone number.
• ​Rapid Response Squad (RRS): The RRS has dedicated numbers, often publicized by the state command, for immediate crime response. (e.g., in Lagos, numbers like 08056250710 are often cited). Always check your state police command’s website for the most current numbers.

​A Quick List to Save on Your Phone

​Save these numbers now. Don’t wait until an emergency to search for them!

Service	Primary Number	Secondary/Alternative
All Emergencies (National)	112 (Toll-Free)
Road Safety (FRSC)	122 (Toll-Free)	07002255372
Lagos Emergency Service	767 or 112 (Toll-Free)
Federal Fire Service	112 or 08032003557

Common Questions & Essential Tips

​Q: Does the 112 number require airtime?

​A: No. The national emergency number 112 is a toll-free line, meaning you can call it even with N0.00 on your phone.

​Q: What if I call 112 and they don’t answer quickly?

​A: The ECCs are constantly being upgraded, but service quality can vary. If you are in Lagos, try the 767 number as an alternative. If you know the direct line for the police or fire service in your area, try that next.

​Q: What should I do if an emergency number is not connecting?

​A: Try switching your phone network if possible, or try another dedicated number (e.g., 767 in Lagos, or the FRSC 122).

​Q: Is there a number for Domestic or Gender-Based Violence?

​A: Many states, especially Lagos, have dedicated helplines. The Lagos Domestic & Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) hotline is often publicized as 08000 333 3333. Check for the official number in your state.

​Knowing these numbers is an act of civic responsibility and self-preservation. Take a moment right now to save 112 and 122 as “ICE (In Case of Emergency)” contacts on your phone.

​Be Prepared. Be Safe. Be Nigerian.

​Would you like me to research and list the specific emergency numbers for a particular state (e.g., Abuja, Rivers, or Kano)?