They possess medically significant venom, although the mortality rate for untreated bites on humans is relatively low (~ 5–10%, in endemic regions under 1%).

Like other spitting cobras, they can eject venom from their fangs when threatened (one drop over 7 metres (23 ft) and more in perfect accuracy).

But genetic studies in 2007 by Wolfgang Wüster et al. have concluded that these subspecies should be treated under a separate species, Naja nigricincta.

It has been recorded from Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo (except in the center), Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Mauritania, Sudan, Tanzania, Somalia, Togo, Uganda, Zambia.

[11] Adaptable snakes, Naja n. nigricollis occurs in southeastern Nigeria where their habitat has been transformed from rainforest to man-made farmlands, plantations, suburban areas, and a few fragmented forests.

[12] The range of Naja nigricollis is currently expanding from the southeastern regions of Nigeria to the more desert and arid conditions in the central part of the nation.

Like other cobra species, they may find abandoned termite mounds or rodent holes to hide or cool off.

[9] Unlike other snakes, Naja nigricollis can be either nocturnal or diurnal depending on the time of year, geographic location, and average daytime temperature.

This adaptability allows the snake to better regulate its body temperature and to gain access to the most abundant food sources of a particular area.

[11][13] This species is sometimes found in captivity, and wild-caught individuals are generally nervous and prone to spitting.

[16] The mating season of this species can vary from the end of winter (September) to the beginning of summer (December).

It retains the typical elapid neurotoxic properties while combining these with highly potent cytotoxins (necrotic agents)[18] and cardiotoxins.

Although the mortality rate in untreated cases is low (~ 5–10%),[20] when death occurs, it is usually due to asphyxiation by paralysis of the diaphragm.