Street Scams in Lagos

Necklace and Watch Snatching in Traffic

At slow-moving traffic intersections and car windows throughout Lagos — particularly along Carter Bridge, Apongbon, and the Oshodi interchange — motorbike riders (sometimes called "one chance" operators) reach through open windows or grab items from pedestrians. Visible gold necklaces, hanging phones, and watches are the primary targets. The speed of the motorbike makes pursuit impossible. This is an opportunistic street crime that peaks during rush-hour gridlock.