Lagos Secure Transportation Services

ETS Secure Transportation Services - Lagos, Nigeria

We are the trusted provider of Secure ground transportation to a range of Fortune 10, 100 and 500 companies in Lagos and throughout Nigeria. By utilizing our local team of highly trained security specialists, you will be reducing your exposure to the potential risks that inhabit daily life within this region. 

It is well known that travel executives are at greatest risk when in transit. ETS can draw from local knowledge and intelligence to assess changing situations and react accordingly.  Our Nigerian team are highly qualified and experienced protectors.  All of our team have extended time served in the security industry and in many cases, multiple years experience from military and special forces operations, law enforcement and high-risk private-sector missions.

ETS Risk Management provides secure transportation, accompanying security drivers and protective security services to a wide range of clients traveling to Lagos, Abuja, and throughout Nigeria. Our local, trusted and experienced protective security team and security drivers in Nigeria have been supporting ETS for over11 years. We offer Executive Protection and armed security transportation services for secure airport transfers and business travel security.

ETS provides travel risk management and security solutions to a range of visitors and business travelers to Lagos and Abuja and the surrounding regions, including business travelers, the energy sector, and NGOs.  Our central hub of operations is in Lagos and Abuja, but our capabilities span across the country to include Port Harcourt in the south of the region.

ETS Security Overview - Lagos

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is a regional economic powerhouse but faces numerous complex security challenges that affect the safety of its citizens, businesses, and travelers. The country is divided across geopolitical and ethnic lines, and threats vary significantly by region. These range from terrorism in the northeast, militancy in the Niger Delta, to kidnappings and organized crime in various parts of the country.

The northeastern region of Nigeria remains a high-risk area due to ongoing terrorist activity by Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP). These groups are responsible for bombings, attacks on military personnel, kidnappings, and the displacement of millions. States like Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa are the most affected by these groups. The threat level in these regions remains critical, with frequent attacks on both civilian and military targets. Boko Haram and ISWAP have targeted foreigners for kidnapping, particularly humanitarian workers, and are known for high-profile abductions. Travelers should avoid this region entirely unless absolutely necessary. Although most attacks occur in the Northeast,  they can happen anywhere. Major urban centers remain most at risk. Attacks have taken place around religious and public holidays in public or crowded places, including places of worship.

Lagos is Nigeria’s largest city and a major commercial hub in West Africa. It is a bustling metropolis with a fast-growing population of over 15 million, making it the center of Nigeria’s economic and cultural activity. Despite its vibrancy, Lagos also presents a variety of security challenges, including crime, civil unrest, and infrastructure vulnerabilities, which travelers and businesses need to be aware of.

Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and street scams are common in crowded areas such as markets, public transportation hubs, and tourist attractions. Popular spots like Victoria Island, Lekki, and Ikeja can experience high levels of petty crime, particularly targeting foreigners who may be perceived as wealthy. Violent crime is common. Armed robbery, carjacking, and home invasions are significant threats in Lagos, particularly after dark. Criminal gangs often operate at roadblocks or follow vehicles to rob drivers. Residential areas can also be targeted, though gated communities with security personnel are generally safer.

Lagos is home to a network of organized criminal groups that engage in activities such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, and extortion. While these groups mostly operate out of view of the general public, their influence can be felt in urban crime dynamics, particularly in poorer neighborhoods and unregulated sectors. Kidnapping also remains a serious concern in Lagos, particularly for wealthy locals, expatriates, and employees of foreign companies. Criminals often target individuals perceived to have the financial means to pay a ransom. Kidnappers operate both opportunistically and in organized groups.

The city has a history of protests over issues such as government corruption, economic hardship, and police brutality. The #EndSARS protests of 2020, for instance, were significant and led to clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Protests can disrupt transport, business operations, and result in violent confrontations. High levels of poverty, unemployment, and economic inequality contribute to periodic unrest in Lagos. Strikes and demonstrations are common and can lead to road blockages or business disruptions, especially in central areas such as Lagos Island or Ikeja.

Road travel across Nigeria can be unpredictable and dangerous. Authorized and unauthorized vehicle checkpoints are situated on major roads and throughout the region.  Humanitarian workers have been targeted in recent years by criminals operating the checkpoints. If you are unfamiliar with the environment, it is unlikely you will recognize which is a legitimate security control and which is for crime.

Road conditions in Nigeria are poor, and potholes are prolific. Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) are frequent, and fatality rates are high due to the inadequate and crumbling state of roads. Lagos has a high rate of traffic accidents due to these poor road conditions, lack of traffic enforcement, and congested streets. Commercial drivers, including bus drivers (known as danfo drivers), are often reckless, increasing the risk of accidents. Carjackings and robberies occur frequently, especially in traffic jams or at night. Criminals target vehicles stuck in slow-moving traffic or isolated roads. Travelers should use reputable secure transport services and avoid driving alone, particularly after dark.

Public transport in Lagos is dangerous and should be avoided at all times. Vehicles are poorly maintained, and drivers are unqualified.  Strongly consider secure transportation services when transiting in Lagos and throughout Nigeria.  A non-armoured SUV accompanied by a security driver and close protection specialist will reduce the risk of being involved in dangerous or threatening situations.  If traveling outside of Lagos or during the evenings, it is advised to travel in convoy with MOPOL (Nigerian Mobile Police) at all times.

Secure Airport Transfers in Lagos

ETS facilitates secure airport transfers for a range of clients and are the preferred suppliers to several Fortune 500 companies. Our Secure ground transportation and accompanying security drivers, combined with our close protection officers, provide a secure, low-profile meet and greet service and enable safe movement both to/from airport and hotels, as well as transit around the country.

Our secure transportation network has a catalogue of non-armored luxury SUVs, high-grade, low profile armored vehicles (see below) and security drivers to suit the clients requirements. Our team of local protective specialists include highly experienced and vetted Close Protection Officers; their knowledge of security, logistics, emergency first aid, and understanding of local cultures ensures client operations are deployed securely and effectively at all times.

Armed Security Escorts in Lagos

For Armed security transportation in Lagos it is legally mandated to use MOPOL.  ETS operates in conjunction with MOPOL throughout Nigeria to provide an armed security capability for our clients. We provide the security driver and CPOs and will instruct and direct the police while on operations.  It is important to note that ETS will never have the client based within the same vehicle as the MOPOL. The MOPOL is an armed back up for traveling during the evening hours or when moving through remote locations.  An ETS close protection officer will travel with the security driver and client vehicle at all times.

Armored Vehicle Rental, Lagos

With a global reach, expert teams, and cutting-edge technology, ETS offers tailored secure transportation services that can be trusted in any situation. Our transportation capabilities in Lagos extend to a full range of non-armored high end Sedans and SUV's as well as multiple low profile armored vehicles to choose from, if required to better fit our clientele’s risk profile. All are available with English speaking security drivers and GPS tracking

To learn more about Armored Vehicle Rental Considerations and how Armored Vehicle Ratings work please click on the corresponding hyper-link.

 

All clients utilizing our services get free access to the ExploreSecure® Travel Security Training.