The consequences of thermally radiative magneto-nano Casson fluid towards thin needle is executed in this investigation. The problem has been modeled mathematically under the Navier slip effect. The Prandtl boundary-layer expressions are framed and treated numerically after the application of similarity variables. Employing shooting method together with Runge–Kutta (R–K) method, the dimensionless equations are solved. The influence of various pertinent controlled dimensionless variables on momentum and temperature along with quantities related to engineering values specifically shear stress and rate of energy transfer are scrutinized through graphical plots. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) act as friction reducing factor. Needle surface transfers heat more from the fluid compared to parabolic revolution. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes transfers more heat from the fluid rather than the single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The heat transfer is more in parabolic surface compared to cylindrical surface and SWCNTs have superior values than MWCNTs. Numerical solutions are matched with the published material and perceived to be in a good agreement. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.