These Car Trackers Are Keeping Nigerian Drivers One Step Ahead of Thieves

Car theft is a growing concern in Nigeria, particularly in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 1,587,363 cases of motor vehicle theft were reported across Nigeria between May 2023 and April 2024.

Sure, new tools like the e-CMR portal helped the Nigerian Police Force recover 1,519 stolen vehicles in the first months of 2024, but countless motorists still face the stress and expense of a missing car. 

That’s where smart, affordable car-tracking tech tools come in. They help you monitor your car 24/7, boost your chances of recovery, and even lower insurance costs. This guide highlights the gadgets and apps, from GPS trackers to anti-theft devices and smartphone apps, that let you see your vehicle’s every move so you can act fast if something doesn’t feel right, plus where you can buy them in Nigeria.

What Is A Car Tracker?

A car tracker is a small device, roughly the size of a smartphone, that you install in your vehicle to monitor its location and movement. Using GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and a mobile network, a vehicle tracking device sends real-time or logged data to an app or web portal. 

Beyond mere location, many car trackers in Nigeria offer alerts for speeding, unauthorised movement, geo-fence breaches, and even engine cut-off commands. In short, a car tracker is your eyes on the road, 24/7, keeping you one step ahead of thieves and giving you peace of mind.

TOP 5 Car Trackers In Nigeria and Where to Buy Them

1. Car Charger GPS Tracker 

The Car Charger GPS Tracker offers seamless functionality and convenience. This car-tracking device doubles as a dual-port USB charger, ensuring your gadgets stay powered while providing real-time vehicle tracking. 

Ideal for car owners seeking a straightforward GPS tracking solution, it ensures peace of mind without the complexities of traditional trackers. Its easy installation makes it especially suitable for those new to vehicle tracking technology.

Pros:

• Its discreet appearance makes it less detectable to potential thieves.

• Ciska offers complimentary installation services and 24/7 customer support. 

Cons:

• It functions only when the car runs, relying on its power supply.

• Lacks advanced functionalities like geofencing or driving behaviour analytics.

Price: ₦70,000. Where to Buy: Shop Ciska Telematics

2. OBD-II Tracker with RFID 

This tracker provides essential vehicle security and monitoring features, making it ideal for individual car owners and fleet managers. The Ciska OBD-II Tracker with RFID is a user-friendly GPS car tracker with real-time vehicle monitoring. 

Thanks to its integration of GPS, GPRS, RFID, and Bluetooth technologies, simply plugging it into your car's OBD-II port gives you access to live tracking, driver identification through RFID, and engine diagnostics. Ciska also offers free installation services for added convenience.

Price: ₦60,000. Where to Buy: Ciska.

3. The 3G GPS Tracking Camera

This tracking camera combines real-time vehicle tracking with video surveillance, enhancing security and driver accountability. It utilises 3G cellular networks to transmit GPS data and live footage to your smartphone or computer, allowing for immediate location monitoring and visual evidence collection.

Installation: Typically involves connecting the device to the vehicle's OBD-II port or hardwiring it, ensuring continuous power and discreet placement.

Price: ₦150,000. Where to Buy: Shop: Ciska Telematics.

4. Hybrid GPS Car Tracker

The Hybrid GPS Car Tracker provides 24/7 real-time vehicle tracking, along with a 90-day trip history. Its Android and web apps offer intelligent fuel levels, maintenance, tampering alerts, and Google Live Traffic updates. Enjoy free professional installation and a 14-day money-back guarantee. 

A one-time device cost applies, followed by a subscription of 1 to 5 years. An authorised technician will discreetly hardwire the device and assist with online registration. Its hybrid design ensures continuous monitoring, making it ideal for theft prevention, fleet management, and enhanced vehicle security.

Price: ₦70,000. Where to Buy: Shop Ciska Telematics.

5. The TKSTAR TK905 2G GPS Tracker

The TKSTAR TK905 is a dependable 2G GPS tracker for cars. Its long-lasting 5000 mAh battery can keep it on standby for up to 90 days. It offers real-time tracking, a waterproof build, a handy built-in magnet for easy setup, and even voice monitoring. 

However, keep in mind that its 2G network connectivity means coverage and update speeds can be limited, and the GPS may occasionally drift slightly. Setting it up is straightforward: insert a local SIM card, charge it, and attach it to your car using the strong magnet. 

The free mobile app or website allows you to view your car's live location easily, set up virtual boundaries (geo-fencing), receive alerts if it moves, and even review its past routes. It's an excellent tool for keeping your vehicle secure, managing a fleet of cars, and protecting against theft.

Price: ₦79,110.95. Where to Buy: Shop Banggoods. 

Smartphone Apps for Vehicle Monitoring

1. Car Tracker Nigeria Pro

Features anti-jammer technology, scheduled shutdown, car lock mode, and real-time GPS tracking.

• Platform: Android.

• Where to Buy: Download from the Google Play Store.

2. MTN Car Tracking App

It features real-time vehicle tracking, remote engine stops, vehicle diagnostics, and driver behaviour analysis.

• Platform: iOS.

• Where to Buy: Download from the Apple App Store.

How Do Car Trackers Work?

A car tracker is a location-reporting device. Here’s the basic explanation for how it works:

1. GPS Module: The GPS listens for satellite signals to pinpoint your car’s location.

2. GSM SIM Card: Through GSM, your tracker sends that position data over the mobile network to your phone or a web dashboard.

3. Power & Backup: Most hardwired units draw power from the car’s battery and include a small backup cell to keep working even if thieves cut the main supply.

4. Control Platform: You log in to your smartphone’s vehicle tracking app in Nigeria or online dashboard, where you view your vehicle’s live or historical routes, set up alerts, and share access with family members or fleet managers.

Smartphone Apps & Connectivity

Most GPS trackers come with an app compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The app lets you view your location live on a map, receive alerts for speeding or unauthorised movement, and share access with family or fleet managers.

Many trackers rely on SMS or USSD in spots with weak data coverage. To get a location reply, text the device’s SIM number.

Installation & Setup Tips

• Professional vs. DIY: You can fit OBD-II plug-in units yourself, but hardwired units need a trained installer.

• Test before you drive: After installation, do a coverage check. Park in different areas and trigger alerts to confirm everything works.

• Keep your SIM topped up: Many providers offer their own data plans. A dead SIM means no tracking.