A disturbing discovery on a Lagos expressway has exposed a major gap in emergency awareness, with many residents still unaware that they can call 767 or 112 for urgent help.
The issue came to light after passengers on a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus spotted two men lying on the expressway near Dopemu-Yo Junction.
The victims were believed to be a motorcycle rider and his passenger. They reportedly suffered injuries in a hit-and-run crash.
As the bus passed the scene, passengers wondered why emergency responders had not arrived. Some questioned the state’s emergency response system.
Others took pictures of the victims.
Lagos residents ask: What is the emergency number?
The situation took an unexpected turn when one passenger asked a simple question: Did anyone know the Lagos emergency number?
The passengers then learned that residents can dial 767 or 112 when they need urgent assistance.
The numbers cover emergencies such as road crashes, fires, building collapses and other life-threatening incidents.
One passenger, David Abiodun, immediately called 767.
He gave the operator the location of the incident around the Dopemu under-bridge and explained what the passengers had seen.
According to Abiodun, the operator said the emergency centre already knew about the incident. The operator also told him that an ambulance was on its way.
The exchange prompted other passengers to ask for the emergency numbers. Some repeated “767” and “112” after learning about them.
Why many Lagos residents still don’t know 767, 112
The incident has raised concerns about public awareness of Lagos emergency services.
The Lagos State Government lists 767 and 112 as toll-free emergency numbers.
The Lagos State Command and Control Centre (LSCCC) receives calls through the lines. Trained operators then coordinate responses from relevant agencies.
These agencies include the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and Lagos State Ambulance Service.
The Rapid Response Squad and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority can also receive alerts when their intervention is needed.
44% of residents unaware of emergency numbers
A Lagos State Government household survey highlighted the awareness gap.
The survey found that 56 per cent of respondents knew about 767 and 112, while 44 per cent did not know the numbers.
Only 11 per cent of respondents said they had successfully called the emergency lines.
The state government has since carried out several campaigns to improve awareness.
In November 2025, the LSCCC organised a roadshow in Ikeja to educate residents about 767 and 112.
Officials distributed information leaflets to motorists, traders and passersby during the campaign.
In March 2026, the centre also educated more than 1,000 students at State Junior High School, Oyewole, Agege.
The students were encouraged to pass the information to their families and communities.
Officials also explained that residents can call the emergency numbers without airtime. They warned people against making prank calls.
767, 112 can trigger emergency response
There are documented cases where calls to the emergency lines have led to rescue operations.
In August 2024, LASEMA said it activated its response team after receiving a distress call about a road crash around Mangoro.
The agency said responders reached the scene within minutes. They treated an injured victim and evacuated the remains of a deceased person.
In another 2024 crash involving two BRT buses around Dopemu, LASEMA said a distress call through 767/112 triggered a response.
Other emergency agencies also joined the operation, while injured passengers received medical attention.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also operates 112 as a toll-free national emergency number.
The system connects distressed callers with relevant emergency agencies, including the police, fire service and ambulance services.
The Dopemu incident shows why public awareness matters.
Emergency agencies may be available, but residents must know how to reach them when danger strikes.
For Lagos residents who witness a road crash, fire, building collapse or another life-threatening emergency, the first step could be a simple phone call.
767 or 112.