If your phone gets stolen in Nigeria, you’re not just losing a mobile device, you’re potentially giving a thief access to your entire financial life. In 2025, mobile phones are deeply tied to our banking, especially with USSD transactions, OTPs, mobile banking apps, and digital wallets and so on. So, knowing how to block your bank account immediately when it get stolen can save you from losing your hard-earned money.
Many Nigerian users have shared horrible stories on Twitter and Nairaland about how their stolen phones were used to drain their accounts within minutes. One post read, “Before I could report to MTN, the guy had transferred over 250k using USSD.” This kind of digital fraud is why this guide is more important than ever.
In this article, you’ll learn step-by-step how to block your Nigerian bank account if your phone is stolen, using verified USSD codes that work on any phone even without your SIM card. We’ll also show you how to block your SIM, what you have to do if USSD codes dosen’t work, and how to secure your account moving forward. Whether you’re banking with Access Bank, GTBank, First Bank, OPay, or others, this guide has you covered.
How to Block Your Bank Account If Your Phone Is Stolen in Nigeria
When your phone is stolen, the first thing you should worry about isn’t your photos or contacts—it’s your money in your account. In Nigeria, most bank accounts are connected to your mobile number through USSD codes and apps. That means anyone with your phone could access your account if they bypass your phone lock or already have your PIN saved.
The fastest and most reliable way to protect your account is to use your bank’s USSD emergency code to block it. This works even if your SIM card is stolen with the phone. All you need is access to any working phone and your account-linked mobile number. Once you dial the correct USSD code, your account will be frozen instantly, preventing any withdrawals or transfers.
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) shows that over 4,000 cases of USSD-related fraud were reported in 2024 alone, with losses running into billions of naira. This shows how urgent it is to act fast. – Source
From personal experience, after a close friend’s phone was stolen in Lagos, they tried to access her GTBank app and used the USSD code before she reacted. Luckily, she had previously saved the emergency code and used her colleague’s phone to block the account within five minutes.
USSD Code to Block Bank Account in Nigeria (Full List for All Banks)
Every major Nigerian bank now has a unique USSD code that customers can use to block their account in case of emergency. These codes are designed to work from any phone—so even if your SIM card was stolen, you can still stop unauthorized transactions.
Here is the updated list of emergency USSD codes for 2025:
- Access Bank: Dial
*901*911#and follow the prompt to input the phone number linked to your account. - First Bank: Dial
*894*911#and provide your registered mobile number. - Zenith Bank: Use
*966*911#to freeze your account linked to the entered number. - GTBank: Use
*737*51*74#to block your GTB account temporarily. - UBA: Dial
*919*911#from any device. - Wema Bank: Use
*945*911#. - Fidelity Bank: Dial
*770*911#. - Union Bank: Use
*826*911#. - Sterling Bank: Dial
*822*911#. - Polaris Bank: Use
*833*911#. - Stanbic IBTC: Dial
*909*911#. - FCMB: Use
*329*911#. - Keystone Bank: Dial
*7111*911#. - Unity Bank: Use
*7799*911#. - EcoBank: Dial
*326*911#.
These codes are part of a nationwide digital banking safety initiative rolled out in 2023, and they’re designed to be fast, secure, and available 24/7. No internet or data is required.
Also Read Access Bank USSD Code
How to Block Your OPay Wallet or OPay ATM Card
If your phone was linked to an OPay wallet or you had an OPay ATM card, you also need to block them separately. OPay’s USSD system offers two emergency options:
- To block the OPay wallet: Dial
*955*131#. - To block the OPay card: Dial
*955*132#.
Both codes work without needing your smartphone or mobile data. They can be dialed from any phone number, but you’ll need to confirm your registered number and possibly your OPay PIN.
According to a support agent from OPay’s live chat, “These USSD codes are instant. Once the command is executed, the wallet or card cannot be used until you reach out to our customer support team.”
What to Do If USSD Code Is Not Working
In some cases, the emergency USSD code might not go through due to network issues or server downtime. If that happens, here’s what you can do:
- Try a different phone network: If your first attempt was with an MTN line, try again using an Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile line.
- Call your bank’s customer support: Most banks offer 24/7 support for stolen accounts. Go to their official website to find the emergency contact number.
- Visit the nearest bank branch: If you’re near your bank, go there immediately with a valid ID and explain that your phone was stolen.
- Report the incident to your mobile network provider: They can help you block your SIM card to prevent OTP theft or SIM swap fraud.
From what users on Facebook and Telegram groups are saying, network delays are a common issue with USSD. So it’s smart to try multiple phones and networks before assuming the code has failed.
Also Read UBA USSD Code: Complete Guide to Seamless Mobile Banking in 2025
How to Block Your SIM Card After Phone Theft
Blocking your SIM card is just as important as blocking your bank account. If a thief manages to perform a SIM swap or gain access to your line, they could receive OTPs or reset your passwords.
Here’s how to quickly block your SIM card in Nigeria:
- MTN Nigeria: Call 180 or walk into any MTN service center with your ID and recent recharge details.
- Airtel: Dial 111 or go to an Airtel store with a sworn affidavit or SIM pack.
- Glo: Call 121 or visit a Glo office with your phone number and last recharge amount.
- 9mobile: Call 200 or stop by a 9mobile service center for instant SIM block and replacement.
Once your SIM is blocked, request for a SIM replacement to restore your number. That way, you can reactivate your banking apps and receive notifications securely.
How to Reactivate Your Bank Account After Blocking It
After you block your bank account using a USSD code, it remains frozen until you officially request reactivation. This security measure ensures that only the rightful owner can regain access. Reactivating your bank account in Nigeria involves physical verification and can’t be done remotely in most cases.
Here’s what to do step-by-step:
- Step 1: Visit the nearest branch of your bank with a valid means of identification—your National ID card, Voter’s card, or International Passport.
- Step 2: Explain to the customer service rep that you blocked your bank account after phone theft and now want it reactivated.
- Step 3: Be ready to answer verification questions (your BVN, last known transaction, or account number).
- Step 4: Once verified, your account will be unfrozen, and full access will be restored.
Pro Tip: Some banks may allow partial reactivation via customer support calls if you already submitted your BVN and linked email. However, full access usually requires a branch visit, especially if the account was blocked using USSD.
Tips to Secure Your Bank Account from Hackers and Digital Theft
Blocking your bank account is just a reactive move. The smart play is prevention. With mobile banking and fintech apps on the rise, protecting your phone and data is non-negotiable. Here’s how to lock down your digital financial life before a thief tries to steal it:
- Set a secure USSD PIN: Every USSD-enabled bank offers a unique PIN setup. Don’t use obvious numbers like your birthdate.
- Enable biometric security: Use Face ID or fingerprint locks for banking apps like AccessMore, GTWorld, and Kuda.
- Activate SIM lock: Most people ignore this, but your SIM card can also have a 4-digit lock in your phone’s security settings.
- Use app locks: Third-party apps like AppLock or built-in phone features can secure your banking apps with an extra PIN or pattern.
- Avoid saving passwords or OTPs: Never store bank details in Notes, WhatsApp, or SMS. Thieves know where to check.
A cybersecurity expert, Emmanuel Onuche, once said during a tech webinar: “Most financial thefts in Nigeria begin with a stolen SIM card, not hacking. The less data your phone holds, the less damage a thief can do.”
FAQs on How to Block Your Bank Account in Nigeria
Can I block my bank account without my SIM card?
Yes, you can block your bank account from any phone using your bank’s emergency USSD code. You only need to provide the number linked to your account. This is especially useful when your phone and SIM are both stolen.
What happens after I block my account?
Once blocked, your bank account will not allow any debit transactions. You won’t be able to make transfers, withdrawals, or use your ATM card until it’s reactivated.
How long does it take to reactivate a blocked bank account?
Most reactivations are completed within 24 hours after visiting the bank with the right ID and documents. Some banks may take longer during high-traffic periods or public holidays.
Can I still receive money while my account is blocked?
Yes. Incoming transfers and deposits will still go through, but you won’t be able to withdraw the funds until the account is unfrozen.
Does the USSD code work on any network?
Yes, the USSD codes to block your account work across all Nigerian networks—MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile. The process does not require internet access.
Conclusion
In a digital age where your phone is practically your wallet, knowing how to block your bank account is a skill every Nigerian must have. Whether you bank with GTBank, Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith, UBA, or use fintechs like OPay, this guide shows you exactly how to protect yourself when the unexpected happens.
We’ve covered how to use USSD emergency codes, how to block your SIM card, what to do if codes fail, and how to reactivate your account safely. More importantly, we’ve shared prevention tips to make sure you never find yourself at risk again.
Bookmark this guide, save the USSD codes, and share this post with friends and family. You never know who you’ll help. You can read more on blocking Firstbank ATM card