Nigeria has emerged as both a major victim of cyberattacks and a significant source of cyber-enabled financial crime in Africa, according to the INTERPOL African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026.
The report paints a complex picture of Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape, noting that while government institutions and businesses are increasingly falling victim to ransomware attacks, criminal networks operating from the country continue to play a prominent role in business email compromise (BEC) schemes and international money laundering.
According to the report, Nigeria recorded 5,822 ransomware detections in 2025, placing it among Africa’s major ransomware hotspots.
“Nigeria recorded 5,822 ransomware detections, reflecting the country’s dual role as an origin and target of cybercrime,” INTERPOL stated.
The report warned that cybercriminal groups linked to Nigeria have evolved beyond traditional online fraud into sophisticated international money laundering operations.
“Threat actors based in Nigeria, active since 2021, have become central to international money laundering operations, routing illicit proceeds through crypto exchanges, shell companies, and mobile payment platforms,” the report noted.
INTERPOL also highlighted recent attacks on critical Nigerian public institutions, warning that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting agencies that provide essential government services.
Among the incidents cited was the compromise of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) website in 2025, which the organisation said underscored the vulnerability of key national institutions to cyber intrusions.
The report also referenced a ransomware attack on the Nigeria Customs Service in August 2025 that disrupted cargo clearance operations at major seaports.
According to INTERPOL, the incident resulted in an estimated $18 million in storage costs and caused significant delays in import processing.
Beyond ransomware, the report identified Nigeria as a continuing hotspot for Business Email Compromise (BEC), one of the world’s most profitable forms of cyber-enabled financial fraud.
INTERPOL urged African countries to strengthen cross-border cooperation, intelligence sharing and cybersecurity capabilities to counter increasingly sophisticated cyber threats across the continent.
