Welcome to Lagos — the city of endless hustle, chaotic traffic, and… elite scammers with street PhDs.
If you’re new, fresh-faced, or just landed with your iPhone out and sneakers clean, congrats: you’ve entered the lion’s den — home of the legendary 419 boys.
They don’t carry guns. They carry sweet mouths and strategies sharper than a tailor’s scissors. If you’re not street-smart, they’ll baptize you into the School of Hard Scams.
Here’s your ultimate survival guide — straight from Eyes of Lagos. Bookmark this before your iPhone turns into Eva soap.
🧠 Who Are the 419 Boys?
They’re the Lagos elite of deception.
Think: smooth talkers, fake investors, POS magicians, cloned gadget sellers, and spiritual manipulators. They spot a “fresh mugu” the moment you smile too politely or wear your AirPods like a billboard.
⚠️ Top 5 Infamous Areas Where 419 Boys Operate:
1. Computer Village, Ikeja
“iPhone Today, Fufu Tomorrow” 📱
This is the Mecca of gadgets — and scams. If you don’t shine your eyes, you’ll pay ₦350,000 for a sleek iPhone box… filled with soap or stone.
🗣 “Oga, I go run you legit. Direct UK!”
They’ll distract you, swap devices, or sell you a cloned phone that believes it’s a calculator.
Survival Tips:
Don’t follow loud whistlers into shops.
Always unbox before payment.
Go with a tech-savvy friend (or 3).
2. CMS / Marina
“Corporate Conmen in Perfume and Blazers” 💼
You’ll meet scammers in suits smoother than their lies.
They offer fake investment plans, forex returns, and job promises backed by… empty offices and ghost documents.
🗣 “₦50k today becomes ₦300k next week, Madam!”
Survival Tips:
Empty offices = red flags.
Ask for CAC documents and confirm online.
Google every company name — no presence = scam.
3. Oshodi Underbridge
“Street Games, Shell Tricks, and Wallet Vanishers” 🎲
It’s not a market — it’s a scam carnival. You’ll see the shell game hustle, fake wins, and backup actors pretending to be winners.
🗣 “Oga, try your luck!”
Your luck ends when your wallet disappears.
Survival Tips:
Don’t stop for street games.
Keep wallet/phones in front pockets.
Wear backpacks like baby carriers (in front).
4. Mile 2
“Where ATMs Cry and POS Machines Scam” 🏧
Fake POS agents here have faster hands than Binance bots.
ATM “helpers” will assist you… into losing ₦84,000.
🗣 “Card error! Try again.”
Next thing? Your balance becomes zero.
Survival Tips:
Never let anyone near you while using an ATM.
Use ATMs inside bank premises only.
Screenshot all transaction receipts.
5. Ojuelegba
“The Stage for Scams and Street Preachers” 🎤
Ojuelegba is vibes and vibes with deception.
Scammers range from fake prophets, fake charities, to visa “helpers” who tell you your destiny is calling… from Canada.
🗣 “God sent me to you. This is your moment!”
Tell them God has your number.
Survival Tips:
Don’t entertain unsolicited prayers or flyers.
Avoid “miracle job” or visa seminars on the street.
If it sounds too spiritual and convenient, JAPA.
🔍 Real-Life Mugu Moments:
📦 “Bought an iPhone at Ikeja — opened it, found Eva soap.” – Jide, Surulere
🛂 “Paid ₦150k for a UK visa; now I’m told it’s ‘spiritual delay’.” – Ada, Ikoyi
🎲 “Started with ₦200 on a shell game, left with -₦14,000.” – Segun, Agege
✅ Final Street-Smarts from Eyes of Lagos:
💡 Rule ✅ Why It Matters
Don’t flash gadgets You’re basically advertising for thieves
Walk with purpose Lost people = soft targets
Ask locals before entering shops Reputation matters in Lagos
Trust your gut Feeling off = probably IS off
When in doubt, JAPA Prevention is cheaper than loss
Source: alphonsojaybaz
