How to check who owns a phone number in Nigeria (2025 guide)

I’m pretty sure you’re here because you want to know how to check who owns a phone number in Nigeria, whether it’s to avoid scammers, confirm a business contact, or just satisfy your curiosity. 

Unknown calls are now very common, and with the rise of fraud and spam in Nigeria, identifying the person behind a phone number has become more important than ever. 

Getting calls or messages from numbers you don’t know can be annoying, scary, or sometimes even exciting. 

But now there are simple and safe ways to trace or verify a phone number in Nigeria. 

From apps like Truecaller to using social media platforms, Google search, and even official help from network providers and the NCC, you can find out who is trying to reach you. 

This guide will walk you step by step through the best methods that actually work in 2025, so you can protect yourself, stay informed, and enjoy peace of mind whenever your phone rings.

Why do people want to know who owns a phone number in Nigeria

There are many reasons people want to trace a Nigerian phone number, and some of the most common include:

• Avoiding scams: Fraudsters use unknown numbers to trick people.
  
• Safety reasons: To confirm who keeps calling, especially if it feels suspicious.
  
• Business verification: Many entrepreneurs want to check if a contact or business is genuine.
  
• Curiosity: Sometimes it’s just about knowing who called.
  
• Family tracking: Parents may want to confirm who is calling their children.
  

In 2025, with Nigeria facing high cases of online fraud, this has become even more important.

Recommended: Top 10 Telegram channels every Nigerian should join for free movies, data tips, and updates

How to check who owns a phone number in Nigeria using Truecaller

One of the most popular tools to trace Nigerian phone numbers is Truecaller. This mobile app has millions of Nigerian users, making it very effective for caller identification.

• Download the Truecaller app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  
• Open the app and sign up with your number.
  
• Enter the unknown number in the search bar.
  
• The app will display the registered name or identity linked to that number.
  

Pros:

• Easy to use.
  
• Works for most Nigerian numbers.
  
• Blocks spam calls automatically.
  

Cons:

• May not always show accurate names.
  
• Requires internet connection.
  

Using Facebook and social media to trace Nigerian phone numbers

Many Nigerians use their phone numbers to sign up on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. You can sometimes find the owner of a number through these steps:

• Save the unknown number on your phone.
  
• Open WhatsApp to see if it’s linked to an account and check the profile photo or status.
  
• Search the number directly on Facebook.
  
• Some people also connect numbers to Instagram profiles.
  

This is one of the fastest free methods to identify numbers in Nigeria.

How to check who owns a phone number in Nigeria through NIMC and NCC

In Nigeria, every phone number is officially linked to a National Identification Number (NIN) through SIM registration. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and mobile network providers like MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile require proper registration.

While individuals cannot directly access NIMC databases for privacy reasons, you can:

• Visit your network provider’s office with a police report if the number is used for fraud.
  
• The NCC and police can trace the registered owner legally.
  

This method is not instant, but it is the most official and reliable way in Nigeria.

How to use online reverse phone lookup services

There are websites that offer reverse phone number lookup for Nigerian numbers. Examples include:

• Sync.me
  
• Whoscall
  
• NumLookup
  

You simply enter the Nigerian phone number, and the service searches its database. However, results can sometimes be limited for local Nigerian lines.

Check who owns a phone number in Nigeria using Google search

Sometimes, the simplest tool is Google. Just type the unknown number in the search box with quotation marks (“0803xxxxxxx”), and if the number has ever been used online, you may find:

• Business listings.
  
• Classified ads.
  
• Social media posts.
  
• Blogs or forums.
  

This works especially well if the number belongs to a company or scammer that others have reported online.

Contacting mobile network providers directly

If you feel the unknown number is threatening or suspicious, you can contact MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile customer care. They will not reveal personal details for privacy, but they may assist if you provide:

• The number.
  
• Time and date of calls/SMS.
  
• A formal complaint.
  

In cases of fraud, they work with law enforcement to trace the owner.

Mobile apps that help identify Nigerian phone numbers

Apart from Truecaller, several apps can help you check who owns a phone number in Nigeria:

• Eyecon: Shows caller photos and details.
  
• Whoscall: Works well for spam detection.
  
• CallApp: Provides caller identity and recording features.
  
• Showcaller: Quick and light app for caller ID.
  

These apps use large user databases to identify numbers, but accuracy may vary.

Legal ways to trace a phone number in Nigeria

In 2025, it is important to know the difference between legal and illegal methods. Legal ways include:

• Reporting to the Nigerian Police Force.
  
• Requesting help from your network provider.
  
• Filing a complaint with the NCC.
  

Illegal methods like hacking or bribing telecom workers should be avoided, as they can land you in legal trouble.

What not to do when checking who owns a phone number

While trying to trace numbers, avoid:

• Using fake apps that promise to reveal private details.
  
• Sharing your own personal details on untrusted websites.
  
• Paying random people online to “trace” numbers for you.
  
• Clicking unknown links sent by strangers.
  

Always protect your privacy while searching.

Future of phone number tracking in Nigeria (2025 and beyond)

With Nigeria’s push for digital identity and the full linking of SIM cards to NIN, it is becoming easier for authorities to trace numbers. In the future:

• Caller ID may be mandatory for all numbers.
  
• Banks and businesses may verify numbers instantly.
  
• Fraudulent numbers will be easier to block.
  

This means checking who owns a number in Nigeria will get faster and more accurate.

Recommended: How to bypass “your device isn’t compatible” on Google Play Store in Nigeria

FAQs on how to check who owns a phone number in Nigeria

1. Can I find the exact home address of a phone number owner?

No, for privacy reasons you cannot access such details unless through law enforcement.

2. Is Truecaller 100% accurate in Nigeria?

Not always, but it works for most common numbers.

3. Can I trace a Nigerian number for free?

Yes, using WhatsApp, Facebook, or Google search.

4. Can the police track a scammer’s number?

Yes, they can with help from mobile networks and the NCC.

5. Is it legal to use apps to check phone numbers?

Yes, as long as they are verified and safe apps.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check who owns a phone number in Nigeria in 2025 is very important for safety, business, and peace of mind. From using free methods like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Google search, to apps like Truecaller and CallApp, and even official channels like NCC and mobile networks, there are many safe ways to identify unknown callers. While curiosity is normal, always stay on the legal side and protect your privacy.

With technology improving in Nigeria, identifying unknown numbers will only get easier in the future. So next time you get a call from an unknown Nigerian number, you now know the simple steps to trace it safely.