Lagos homes are built for security: walls, gates, bars on the windows, a guard at the estate entrance. Most burglaries still come through the weakest point, which is often a habit rather than a lock.
Estates
Many people live in gated estates with a residents’ association that runs a gate, guards and patrols, paid for by a service charge. Before you rent, ask:
Your own home
- Burglar-proof bars on windows and a steel security door are standard; check they are solid, and that you can get out in a fire.
- Locks you control. Change or rekey the locks when you move in: you do not know who has keys from the last tenant.
- Lights at the gate and around the house.
- An alarm or cameras help, but only if they keep working through power cuts — put them on the inverter.
Hiring a guard
If you hire a gateman or security guard, take references and call them, check identity with the NIN, and know where they live. A guard from a registered security company is accountable to the company; ask for its registration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, which licenses private guard companies.
Habits that matter more
- Do not open the gate to strangers, including people claiming to be from the power company, the water board or the government. Ask for ID and call the office.
- Vary your routine, and do not announce travel on social media until you are back.
- Know your neighbours, and share numbers with them and the estate security.
- Keep valuables and documents out of sight, and copies of documents somewhere else.
If it happens
Do not confront armed intruders. Get to safety, call for help, and report to the police; you will need the report for insurance and for replacing documents.
Emergency numbers Replacing lost documents Dealing with the police