It is very important to know how to get back a hacked Facebook or WhatsApp account in Nigeria, especially in case of an emergency.
We have Facebook and WhatsApp in Nigeria, which we use daily, to chat, to exchange pictures, to keep in touch with family and friends, and even to operate our businesses.
And, unfortunately, there are bad people (so-called hackers) who may enter your account and take it away.
This is quite painful and frightening when they use your account to cheat other people or to write something that is not originally from you.
No need to panic, though. If your Facebook or WhatsApp account is hacked, there is always hope as there are practical measures that you can adopt to recover the account and prevent your account from getting hacked in the future.
We will show you how to retrieve any of those accounts in case you feel somebody has access to it, or you are no longer able to log in there.
Do you need to be a computer expert? No, you don’t have to be one because the guide is simple enough to be understood by all.
Just follow this guide, and you will be back to your account in no time.
What is a hacked account?
A hacked account involves your account being unlawfully accessed by another party without your consent. They could go ahead and change your password, delete your email or phone number, and block you out.
That is why it is not easy to use the account or recover it in case you are not aware of the actions to perform.
When such hackers get access to your account, they will begin sending a message to your contacts on your behalf.
Ways hackers use to have access to your account without your knowledge?
Here are some simple ways that you may not be aware of:
- You clicked on a fake link (phishing).
- You gave your password to someone.
- You used a weak or easy-to-guess password.
- You used your account on a public or shared phone.
- Your SIM card was stolen or cloned.
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How to get back a hacked Facebook account in Nigeria (Step by Step)
Okay, here we get to the very steps on how to recover a hacked Facebook or WhatsApp profile.
Step 1: Attempt to log in
Open your browser or type www.facebook.com and open the Facebook application on your phone. Try to log in with your phone number or email and password you use.
If the message says you can log in, go to settings and lock your account before it gets out of hand.
- If you can log in, go to Settings > Security and Login > Where You Log In and delete all the devices that look suspicious.
- Change a new password and use two-factor authentication.
Step 2: use the ‘forgot password’ option
in case you are not able to log in, do the following:
- Visit https://www.facebook.com/login/identify
- Type in your phone/email.
- Facebook will look up your account and send a code to your email or phone (not changed).
- Enter the code and follow the procedures to change the password.
Step 3: report the hacked account to Facebook
If the hacker has your mail password or log in to your number, or you can no longer get the verification code to reset your password, don’t panic. It can still be done.
Just follow these steps to report that your Facebook account was hacked and start the recovery process.
- Go to this link: https://www.facebook.com/hacked
- Click on “My account is compromised.”
- Type in your information and proceed accordingly.
- Facebook will either help you recover the account, or an identity verification link will be sent to you.
Step 4: verify your identity (if needed)
In case the hacker deleted your email address or phone number from your Facebook profile, then Facebook might not allow you to reset your password that easily. In this case, they might request you to identify yourself.
You could also be requested to provide some personal information that will assist in proving that you are the owner, or with evidence.
- Attach a picture of your identity document (e.g, National ID, Voter card, or Driving license)
- Confirm friends or answer account-related questions
This step helps Facebook know you are the real owner.
Step 5: secure your account
Once you recover your account, do these immediately:
- Change your password* Delete all other devices from your settings
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) – This will send a code to your phone every time someone tries to log in
- Remove suspicious apps.
How to get back a hacked WhatsApp account in Nigeria (Step by Step)
Step 1: Try logging into WhatsApp again
If someone has taken over your WhatsApp:
- Go to WhatsApp and provide your phone number.
- You will also receive a 6-digit code on your SMS (be sure that your SIM card is in your phone).
- Type in the code and sign in.
After you have logged in, the hacker will automatically have his log out.
Note: Never disclose the 6-digit code to any person.
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Step 2: Contact WhatsApp support when you are not able to log in
When the hacker has enabled Two-Step Verification on your WhatsApp, then he/she must have entered a secret PIN, which you have no knowledge about. This will prevent your access to log in to your account, even when you have the code sent to your phone.
This will prevent you from logging in even when you have the right verification code. Once this happens, you will need to do the following to recover your account.
Write an email to:
support@whatsapp.com
In your message write:
Type your phone number but include the +234 sign followed by the number. Niger number start from 0, remove the 0 and only allow the ther numbers to follow e.g 8012345678.
In this case, you will be left with 10 numbers instead of 11. Now add +234 to the numbers, so you will have “+2348012345678”
Provide also a short text where you explain everything about how your WhatsApp account was hacked.
Please request them to disable the Two-Step Verification and help you in restoring your account.
Example email:
Subject: Hacked WhatsApp account, please help
Hello, WhatsApp Team,
I am [Your Full Name]. I also lost access to WhatsApp via the number +2348012345678; this account was hacked.
Please assist me to regain the account and remove the Two-Step Verification in case it is enabled.
Thanks for assisting.
[Your Name]
Step 3: temporarily disable your WhatsApp (if it’s required)
In case the hacker uses your WhatsApp to send text, and you cannot restore it immediately, you may request that WhatsApp disable it.
- Write an email to: – support@whatsapp.com
- Post with this topic: Lost/Stolen: Please disable my account
Don’t forget to add your phone number in international format.
This will stop the hacker from using your WhatsApp while you recover it.
Step 4: Reactivate your account after 7 days
Upon deactivation of your WhatsApp account, it is expected that you must log in again but within a period of 30 days.
Your account and data may be deleted in case of a longer delay. Even while waiting, you can be trying from time to time to see if you can regain your account through the verification code WhatsApp sent to you.
Recommended measures to help prevent hacking from happening again.
Now that you know how to retrieve a hacked Facebook or WhatsApp account in Nigeria, it’s time to learn how to avoid this in the future.
1. Use strong passwords
- Mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Don’t use names or birth dates.
- Change your password every few months.
2. Turn on two-factor authentication
- To secure your account using Facebook, open your settings, then head over to the Security page, there enable Two-Factor Authentication.
- In the case of WhatsApp, open Settings, select Account, and then Two-Step Verification and set a 6-digit PIN that nobody but you knows.
3. Don’t click on strange links
- Avoid clicking on unknown links sent by people or in groups.
- Hackers use fake links to steal your login details.
4. Don’t share verification codes
- Never share any code sent to your phone.
- Even if your friend asks, confirm with a voice call first.
5. Log out of shared devices
- If you log into Facebook or WhatsApp on someone else’s phone or computer, log out before you leave.
What if my SIM card was also hacked or stolen?
If you lost your SIM card to theft or made a copy, go to the office of your mobile network provider (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9Mobile) and do a switch of the card. You’ll need:
- A valid ID card
- Your NIN
- Your phone number and answers to some security questions
Once you get your SIM back, you can receive verification codes again.
Conclusion
When your Facebook or WhatsApp gets hacked, it feels like a bad dream. But as I mentioned earlier in this guide on how to retrieve a hacked Facebook or WhatsApp account in Nigeria (step-by-step), you can retrieve your account if you act fast and follow the right path.
Stay alert always, secure your accounts, and share this with your friends to stay safe too. It’s safer to prevent than for it to catch you unawares.
