In Nigeria’s fast-growing trade environment, fraud risk is a real concern for importers, exporters, and wholesale distributors. From advance-payment scams to supplier impersonation and cargo theft, the financial and operational impact can be severe—especially for businesses moving FMCG and essential commodities across borders. Reliable fraud recovery services in Nigeria are therefore becoming a critical part of risk management for companies trading with or within the country.

Understanding Fraud Recovery Services in Nigeria

Fraud recovery services in Nigeria cover the structured steps businesses take after a fraud incident to trace funds, gather evidence, engage the relevant authorities, and, where possible, recover lost assets or money.

For companies involved in import/export, logistics and wholesale trade, these services often include:

• Transaction review and digital trail analysis

• Verification of suppliers, customers or intermediaries

• Liaising with Nigerian banks and payment platforms

• Coordinating with regulators and law enforcement agencies

• Legal support and documentation for potential civil or criminal action

When integrated into a wider supply chain risk strategy, these services help businesses respond quickly, reduce further losses and prevent similar incidents in future.

Common Fraud Risks in Nigerian Trade and Logistics

Businesses seeking fraud recovery services in Nigeria are often dealing with one or more of the following situations:

• Advance-fee and pro-forma invoice scams – A “supplier” requests upfront payment for commodities that never ship.

• Fake export or import documentation – Manipulated bills of lading, inspection certificates or customs documents.

• Identity and brand impersonation – Fraudsters posing as known brands, distributors, or freight agents.

• Cargo diversion and theft – Goods diverted during inland transport or at ports and warehouses.

• Payment redirection – Business email compromise (BEC) where beneficiaries’ bank details are changed without the buyer’s knowledge.

These incidents can cut into already tight margins and damage long-term relationships in African trade. Working with partners who understand how to respond in Nigeria’s regulatory and banking environment is essential.

How Fraud Recovery Services in Nigeria Support International Traders

Professional fraud recovery services in Nigeria go beyond simply “chasing money.” They provide a structured, realistic approach focused on evidence, process and prevention. Typical support for importers, exporters and distributors includes:

1. Immediate Incident Assessment

Time is critical in fraud situations. The first step is to identify:

• What exactly happened and when

• Which bank accounts and platforms were used

• What documents, emails or contracts are involved

• Whether funds are still in transit or already withdrawn

A clear incident timeline allows faster engagement with banks and authorities.

2. Trace and Freeze Attempts

Where possible, recovery specialists help:

• Notify Nigerian and foreign banks involved in the transaction

• Request temporary holds or flags on suspicious accounts (subject to local regulations)

• Provide supporting evidence so financial institutions can act quickly

While not every case results in funds being frozen, fast, well-documented requests significantly increase the chances of partial or full recovery.

3. Coordination with Local Stakeholders

Nigeria’s trade ecosystem includes customs, port operators, logistics firms, banks and regulators. Fraud recovery often requires coordination across several of these stakeholders. An experienced local partner can:

• Communicate with banks and payment processors in Nigeria

• Support contact with relevant authorities where appropriate

• Liaise with logistics providers to trace cargo movements

• Clarify what is realistically achievable within local processes

The Role of Wigmore Trading in Fraud Prevention and Recovery

Wigmore Trading operates within Nigeria and across African markets as a sourcing, wholesale distribution and logistics partner. While we are not a law enforcement or legal practice, our on-the-ground presence and experience in regulated supply chains allow us to support clients in several practical ways when it comes to fraud recovery services in Nigeria and, more importantly, fraud prevention.

For business customers, Wigmore Trading can help by:

• Verifying local suppliers and products before you commit to large orders

• Managing end-to-end sourcing and distribution, reducing reliance on unknown intermediaries

• Coordinating logistics and warehousing, so the chain of custody is clearer and easier to audit

• Providing documentary transparency on shipments, invoices and customs processes

By using a trusted trading and logistics partner, businesses reduce exposure to fake suppliers, questionable documentation and unclear cargo movements—three of the most common triggers for fraud incidents in the region.

Building a Preventive Framework Around Fraud Recovery

While it is important to know that fraud recovery services in Nigeria exist, the most effective strategy is to combine recovery planning with strong prevention and due diligence. Companies trading with or within Nigeria should consider:

• Supplier and customer screening – Verify corporate registration, references and trading history.

• Secure payment practices – Use confirmed banking details, dual approval for payment changes and clear credit terms.

• Contract clarity – Define Incoterms, responsibilities, delivery conditions and dispute mechanisms in writing.

• Logistics visibility – Track shipments, use reputable carriers and ensure insurance is in place where appropriate.

• Incident response plans – Document what to do and who to contact if a suspected fraud occurs.

Wigmore Trading can support businesses in setting up more resilient sourcing and distribution models, making fraud less likely and improving the quality of documentation and traceability if a recovery process is needed.

Choosing the Right Fraud Recovery Support in Nigeria

When selecting a partner to assist with fraud-related matters in Nigeria, businesses should look for:

• Familiarity with international trade and cross-border payments

• Strong relationships with banks, logistics providers and local stakeholders

• Clear, realistic communication about what can and cannot be recovered

• An emphasis on long-term risk reduction, not just one-off case handling

Working alongside established trade partners such as Wigmore Trading gives companies an additional layer of practical support, local insight and operational control—factors that are often just as important as legal action when managing fraud risk..