The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has recently released alarming figures indicating a significant rise in phone theft across Nigeria. According to the NBS’s Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey 2024, over 25 million phones were stolen between March 2023 and April 2024. This surge in theft has left many Lagosians feeling vulnerable and frustrated.
The report highlights that 17,965,741 individuals fell victim to phone theft during the reference period. “Phone theft has become a common individual crime in the country,” the report states. The survey further reveals that seven out of every ten stolen phones were taken from homes or public places.
Despite the high incidence of phone theft, less than 10% of victims reported the crime to the police. Many cited dissatisfaction with the police response, with only 11.7% of those who did report feeling satisfied with the outcome. “The lack of trust in the police is a significant factor,” said Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a criminologist at Lagos State University. “Many victims turn to local vigilante groups instead.”
The NBS report also sheds light on regional differences in reporting and response. In the Southeast, 53% of households contacted vigilantes first, compared to 26.3% in the Southwest. This disparity underscores the varying levels of trust in law enforcement across different regions.
As phone theft continues to rise, Lagosians are calling for more effective measures to combat this crime. “We need better policing and community engagement to address this issue,” said Mrs. Funke Adeyemi, a resident of Lagos Island. “Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their own homes.”
