How to Identify the Owner of a Phone Number in Nigeria

Knowing how to identify the owner of a phone number in Nigeria can be a tough job, which has been made more difficult by the increase in phone scams.

However, if the necessary tools and tactics are available, it is feasible to identify who owns a phone number in Nigeria.

One of the less tedious techniques to identify the owner of a phone number in Nigeria is using Tr u ecaller.

Truecaller is an app that works on mobile phones to let you know who the owner of this number in Nigeria is as well, and it can be a practical identifier to detect scammers who might take on any identity they want.

Truecaller requires all users to create an account and sync their phonebook. This feature helps filter unknown callers and spamming calls.

On the other hand, a reverse phone lookup is how to know who this number belongs to in Nigeria.

A reverse phone lookup gives you the phone number owner’s name and the city or the state where the caller is located and the calling address is offered to you.

More reverse phone lookup services are all over the internet, and the technology you may use to identify a phone number’s owner is quickly improving.

In this detailed article, we will explore how to identify the owner of a phone number in Nigeria. Let’s get started.

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Understanding the Nigerian Telephone System
Legal Considerations for Identifying Phone Number Owners in Nigeria
How to Identify the Owner of a Phone Number in Nigeria
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

Understanding the Nigerian Telephone System

Nigeria is a country which has a perfectly organized telephone system with the country code of +234.

Nigeria’s telephone network is subdivided into two major categories: the fixed-line and the mobile services.

The fixed-line function belongs to the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) whereas several private companies operate the mobile service.

Nigerian telephone numbering plan is divided into three main sections: first, country code, a three-digit area code, and a seven-digit subscriber number, respectively.

The country code of Nigeria, besides area codes, also depends on the caller’s location.

When calling Nigeria from another country, the caller must dial the country code (+234) and then the area code followed by the subscriber number.

On the other hand, in Nigeria, the local phone number is seven digits, so the area code will be dialled before the seven-digit subscriber number.

Remember that an area code is not usually necessary when calling within the same area.

Thus, the caller and the receiver, if they are in the same area, can directly dial the seven-digit subscriber number without the area code.

It is important to mention that the Nigerian phone system is under the mandate of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which ensures its efficiency and effectiveness.

The knowledge of the Nigerian telephone system is necessary when someone wants to know how to identify the owner of a phone number in Nigeria.

The country code, area code, and subscriber number are all key pieces of information that can help us track who this number is registered to in Nigeria.

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Legal Considerations for Identifying Phone Number Owners in Nigeria

Knowing how to identify the owner of a phone number in Nigeria can be a useful tool in many situations, however it is important to be aware of the legal considerations involved.

The laws in Nigeria are meant to guarantee personal privacy and are, therefore, crucial to observe when you attempt to identify who owns this number in Nigeria.

One of the most significant legal aspects of the process of investigation of who this number is registered to in Nigeria is the 2019 Data Protection Regulation (DPR).

This regulation can establish rules for the collection, utilization, and retention of personal data within Nigeria, and it covers both natural persons and legal persons.

According to the DPR, the collection and use of personal data should be limited to the specific objectives for which they were gathered, and individuals should be informed on how their data is being used.

No legal aspect can be missed without the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) regulations regarding the service of the Calling Line Identification (CLI).

These regulations impose on network service providers to enable CLI services for their subscribers, but these also include the deployment procedures guidelines.

An example is the prohibition for telecoms to unveil subscribers’ personal information without their consent.

It is also important to note that in Nigeria, the breach of individuals’ privacy through technology is purely legal.

The Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 outlaws accessing computer systems and data without permission and goes further to the fine and imprisonment of offenders.

How to Identify the Owner of a Phone Number in Nigeria

1. Using Reverse Phone Lookup Services

One of the most effective strategies for knowing the owner of a phone number in Nigeria is using reverse phone lookup services.

It’s like a digital detective’s agency as they actively use large databases to retrieve the particular telephone number’s linked data.

Entering the digit into the input bar is the only action required to obtain an array of information about the caller: his name, location and additional contact information.

In Nigeria, you can use some reliable reverse phone lookup websites.

The most used ones are Truecaller, Number Finder, and Reverse Phone Lookup.

These platforms are configured to let people know who called me from this phone number in Nigeria; hence, the respondent is given a sense of security and control in an increasingly networked world.

While using reverse phone lookup services, it is paramount to be mindful that there are different platforms and not all of them are the same regarding their performance.

Some platforms may offer current and more accurate information unlike the other platforms.

As a result, it is recommended to keep many sources to cross-check and validate the information.

Privacy is another important aspect to consider when we use reverse phone lookup services.

It is very important that the web page you use has a strict privacy policy and that it does not share your personal information with any third parties.

Additionally, being cautious about scam activities when using these services is important.

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Social media is the technology of today, and it is difficult to escape its influence on daily life.

Especially, a lot of little-known information can be very easily and embarrassingly disclosed.

Here is how to use social media to find the owner of a phone number in Nigeria.

1. Facebook

Facebook is the biggest online media platform, supporting over 2 billion active users worldwide.

It can be a useful tool in case we need to identify the owner of a phone number in nigeria.

In such a case, add the number to the Facebook search bar and click the button to begin the process.

Now, we find the user by phone number in the Facebook search results if they have registered their phone number on their Facebook account.

2. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that can also be useful in identifying the owner of a phone number.

If the phone number is connected to a LinkedIn account, then it could give the professional information of the person, such as their occupation, company, and job history.

Just type their phone number in LinkedIn’s search bar, and once you find it, press Enter.

The person’s phone number connected to the LinkedIn account they set up will emerge as the top result in their search.

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3. Twitter

Twitter is a microblogging platform that can also be useful in identifying the owner of a phone number.

If the phone number is connected to a Twitter account, you can see the person’s tweets, followers, and other private data.

To search for the person on Twitter, enter the phone number in the search bar.

If the person has given their phone number to their Twitter account, their profile will be found in the search results.

Through social media sites, you can easily figure out how to identify the owner of a phone number in Nigeria.

But then, it is essential to know that people rarely link their phone numbers with their social media accounts.

3. Contacting the Network Service Provider

Another way to identify the owner of a phone number in Nigeria would be to contact the network service provider.

This happens to be so because the service provider always has a database for retaining information regarding the owner of that particular phone number.

Hence, you will have the opportunity to track down the owner of the phone number by calling the network service provider’s customer service department.

This is often done with just a call or e-mail, or you are expected to go personally to one of the stores.

In case of contacting the network service provider, it will be necessary to have with you the phone number being addressed.

You may also be required to reveal some personal information so that your identity and relationship with the phone number are checked.

In that regard, after the customer service representative has verified your identity and your relationship to the phone number, they can now release information about that phone number’s owner.

This may include the name, address, and other background information on who this number is registered to in Nigeria.

Some service providers do have strict policies when it comes to releasing personal information.

If you cannot produce good proof of your identity and relationship with that phone number, then chances are you cannot obtain this information.

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4. Consulting Public Records and Directories

One of the most popular ways of identifying the owner of a phone number in Nigeria is through public records and directories.

These resources contain personal information regarding the owner of the number, the name, address, and other contact details.

One of the most popular public records available in Nigeria is the National Identity Management Commission database.

The NMIC contains information on all of Nigeria’s citizens and phone numbers.

Nevertheless, the NIMC database is solely accessible to some individuals.

One can also use public directories like the Nigerian Yellow Pages.

These are registers of various businesses or even individuals in Nigeria with their contact information.

Not all phone numbers are listed in public directories, and even some are as outdated as out-of-date information.

Besides, it can also be determined from online directories and records who the owner of the phone number is.

Other options include reverse phone lookup services, which provide information regarding who owns this number with the help of a phone number.

Such tools are wonderful at recognizing unknown callers, and hence, you may check people with whom you have been in contact.

5. Employing Private Investigation Services

If all the other ways fail, one can use a private detective to identify the owner of a phone number in Nigeria.

The detective will help uncover the identity of the person registered to the phone number. This, however, is an expensive and time-consuming method.

Any private investigator that one hires has to have a license to practice and his reputation in check.

One could check with the Association of Professional Investigators in Nigeria to find out or verify if the private investigator is registered and in good standing.

You must also give the private investigator as much information about the phone number to be used in the search.

Include the relevant phone number, dates and times related to it, and all other information useful for the investigation.

They cannot use any illegal means to get information and are also expected to respect the privacy of the individuals under investigation.

It is, therefore, important that the private detective in whose hands a person places them is reputable and operates within the limits provided by the law.

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6. Technological Tools and Mobile Applications

How to Identify the Owner of a Phone Number in Nigeria: A Clear Guide

So many technological tools and mobile apps could identify a phone number in Nigeria.

Such tools and apps collect diverse information about the phone number and the owner.

One such app is Truecaller, available for both Android and iOS—it hosts a directory of over 250 million phone numbers and, accordingly, displays the name and location of the owner of a given number.

With this application, the user can also block unwanted calls and messages.

Another app is Number Finder, which gives the information of the owner.

This app shows the name, address, and location of the owner. It can also help by blocking any incoming call or message.

These apps draw from public records and other sources of information, providing users with the owner’s name and location for the phone number.

The user must always remember that aside from these tools and apps, they are not 100 per cent accurate in trying to help the user trace the owner of a phone number.

You should verify the accuracy of the information to be able to act on it accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What methods are available for tracing the owner of a mobile number?

Search engines, social networking sites, Truecaller, and Find and Trace services.

Can I use Truecaller to identify an unknown caller in Nigeria?

Truecaller is a popular app that can identify unknown callers in Nigeria.

Is there a way to perform CNAM lookups for Nigerian phone numbers?

CNAM (Caller ID Name) lookups generally are not available for Nigerian phone numbers, but some can offer this service to their respective customers.

How can I discover the owner of a number that called me without revealing my identity?

One is through reverse phone lookups, where no personal information is required. Another involves using disposable phone numbers to help you call back the unknown number.

What steps should I take to track the location of a MTN mobile number?

To track the location of an MTN mobile number in Nigeria, you can use the MTN Locate service.

Are there any official databases for phone numbers in Nigeria for ownership verification?

No official databases for phone numbers in Nigeria can be used for ownership verification.