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.

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The report, published by the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), shows a sharp rise in the use of AI tools by criminals to execute increasingly sophisticated online fraud schemes.

It recorded 22,364 complaints linked to AI-enabled cyber activity during the year, with total adjusted losses estimated at over $893.3 million.

According to the FBI, criminals are using AI to generate convincing fake identities, including social media profiles, voice recordings and video content, making scams harder to detect.

Business email compromise schemes using AI-generated messages and voice cloning accounted for more than $30 million in losses, while impersonation and trust-building scams led to over $19 million in reported losses. Fraud involving cloned voices of family members in distress scams accounted for more than $5 million.

The report also highlighted large-scale losses from AI-assisted investment scams, which exceeded $632 million, representing the biggest share of AI-related fraud. In addition, AI-generated deepfakes and voice spoofing were used in recruitment and interview scams that caused nearly $13 million in losses.

The FBI warned that the growing accessibility of AI tools is expected to further accelerate cybercriminal activity, increasing risks for individuals, businesses and financial institutions globally.

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The operation, known as Operation Synergia III, ran from July 18, 2025, to January 31, 2026, and involved law enforcement agencies from 72 countries and territories, including Nigeria.

According to INTERPOL, the coordinated effort led to 94 arrests, while 110 additional suspects remain under investigation. Authorities also seized 212 electronic devices and servers used to carry out cybercrime activities.

Neal Jetton, Director of the Cybercrime Directorate at INTERPOL, said the operation demonstrates the power of international cooperation in tackling increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

“Cybercrime in 2026 is more sophisticated and destructive than ever before, but Operation Synergia III stands as a powerful testament to what global cooperation can achieve,” Jetton said.

He added that INTERPOL will continue working with law enforcement agencies and private-sector partners to dismantle cybercriminal networks and protect victims worldwide.

The operation was supported by cybersecurity firms including Group-IB, Trend Micro and S2W, which helped identify malicious infrastructure and track cybercriminal activity.

Authorities uncovered a wide range of cybercrime schemes during the investigation.

In Macau, investigators identified more than 33,000 phishing and fraudulent websites, many disguised as online casinos or legitimate banking and government platforms designed to steal victims’ personal and financial data.

In Togo, police arrested 10 suspects accused of running a fraud network that hacked social media accounts and carried out romance scams and sextortion schemes.

Meanwhile, authorities in Bangladesh arrested 40 suspects and seized 134 electronic devices connected to cybercrime operations involving loan scams, job scams, identity theft and credit card fraud.

INTERPOL said investigations linked to the operation are still ongoing as law enforcement agencies continue working to dismantle cybercrime networks and identify additional suspects.

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The report, unveiled on Wednesday, paints a troubling picture of a continent increasingly targeted by sophisticated cybercriminal networks and state-backed hackers leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their attacks. Drawing on more than 100 trillion daily security signals from its global intelligence network, Microsoft said Africa is facing one of the most dynamic and evolving cyberthreat landscapes in the world.

The company warned that cybercriminals are expanding their reach, refining their techniques, and using AI to tailor attacks to local languages and cultural nuances. North African countries, it added, are now among the fastest-growing hotspots for digital threats.

“Africa isn’t just a target; it has become a proving ground for the latest cyber threats,” said Kerissa Varma, Microsoft’s Chief Security Advisor for Africa. “We’re witnessing attackers harness AI to craft phishing messages, impersonate trusted individuals, and exploit the very platforms we depend on.”

According to Microsoft, 80 per cent of the cyber incidents it investigated last year were driven by data theft for financial gain rather than espionage. This finding aligns with the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Cybercrime Impact Atlas, which reported a sharp rise in both the volume and value of cyberattacks across Africa, with victims increasing from 35,000 to 87,000.

While arrests of cybercriminals have grown across 19 African countries, Microsoft said the overall impact of cybercrime continues to escalate, underscoring persistent weaknesses in regional cybersecurity capacity.

The report identified Business Email Compromise (BEC) as the most financially damaging form of cybercrime on the continent. Although BEC accounted for only two per cent of observed attacks, it was responsible for 21 per cent of successful breaches, surpassing ransomware at 16 per cent. These attacks often begin with phishing or password spraying before progressing to multi-factor authentication tampering and email hijacking. Once inside corporate systems, attackers exploit established trust relationships to redirect payments or steal credentials.

Microsoft’s research highlighted South Africa as a global hotspot for BEC infrastructure and money mule recruitment. It cited the example of Storm-2126, a Nigerian-origin cybercrime group operating from South Africa since 2017, which has orchestrated cross-border BEC schemes targeting U.S. real estate and manufacturing firms.

The report also warned that artificial intelligence is transforming the cyberthreat landscape. Criminals now use AI to automate reconnaissance, craft persuasive phishing lures, and deploy self-learning malware capable of spreading across systems without human intervention. Microsoft found that AI-enhanced phishing campaigns achieve a 54 per cent click-through rate—4.5 times higher than traditional methods—potentially increasing profitability up to 50-fold.

The proliferation of AI-generated content, including deepfakes, synthetic identities, and voice cloning, has also overwhelmed detection systems. Microsoft recorded a 195 per cent global increase in the use of AI-generated identities to bypass verification systems and launch attacks from disposable cloud accounts.

“This is a pivotal moment for African business leaders,” Varma said. “Relying on trust alone is no longer enough; familiar platforms and tools can be turned against us. Early warning signs like credential theft should be treated as indicators of larger breaches.”

Microsoft called for African organisations to adopt AI-powered defences, strengthen governance frameworks, and invest in proactive cybersecurity strategies. The company stressed that as Africa’s digital economy grows—driven by cloud adoption, fintech expansion, and connected infrastructure—cyber resilience must grow with it.

Varma added that by building local expertise and comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, Africa can position itself as a global frontline in combating digital threats, creating stronger and more resilient digital ecosystems.

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The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, on Tuesday unveiled the Joint Case Team on Cybercrimes at a formal ceremony held at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Maitama, Abuja.

Speaking at the launch, Fagbemi emphasized the federal government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from cyber threats, promising swift justice for perpetrators. “To Nigerians, we are building a system that will protect you, defend your rights, and bring cybercriminals to book,” he declared.

The newly established team brings together key players from various government agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrimes Centre (NPFNCCC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (NgCERT), the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Federal High Court.

Describing the initiative as “a bold and transformative step in Nigeria’s criminal justice system,” the AGF said it is rooted in a vision of synergy, coordination, and mutual respect among justice institutions. He stressed that cybercrime, being complex and constantly evolving, requires a collaborative and dynamic response involving both investigators and prosecutors from the outset.

“This Joint Case Team was created to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks, ensure seamless strategy alignment, and drive results through shared resources and capacity building,” Fagbemi added.

The event attracted notable dignitaries, including David Hanson, UK Minister of State for Home Affairs, along with representatives from the EFCC, NFIU, and other cybercrime-focused agencies. Fagbemi acknowledged the critical support of international partners such as the UK National Crime Agency, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the Commonwealth Secretariat, who have contributed IT infrastructure and training resources.

The launch comes amid growing concern over Nigeria’s rising cybercrime profile. A global cybercrime index released earlier this year ranked Nigeria fifth worldwide in terms of cybercrime activity sources—trailing behind Russia, Ukraine, China, and the United States. The index, produced by researchers from Oxford University and the University of New South Wales, highlights Nigeria as a major hotspot for cyber-related offenses.

In 2024, the EFCC reported that cybercrime cost Nigeria over $500 million in losses in 2022 alone. Meanwhile, the U.S. government has established a cybersecurity support office within its Abuja embassy to aid Nigerian efforts.

Adding to the urgency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently raised concerns about rising incidents of cyber slavery targeting Nigerian youths, lured abroad with false job offers in crypto operations, only to be exploited.

With the new Joint Case Team in place, the federal government aims to reverse the tide of cybercrime by ensuring swift and effective prosecution, greater institutional cooperation, and stronger international collaboration.

Would you like this turned into a printable press release format or web article layout?

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Beware: A New Netflix Scam

TECH DIGEST- Scammers are constantly devising new tactics to deceive unsuspecting victims. The latest ploy involves a sophisticated phishing attack targeting Netflix users.

Cybercriminals are sending fraudulent text messages claiming that users’ Netflix accounts are on the verge of suspension due to failed payment processing. These messages often contain a malicious link designed to lure victims into divulging their sensitive personal information, such as login credentials and credit card details.

To protect yourself from such cyberattacks, it is crucial to exercise caution and remain vigilant. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, especially those received via unsolicited text messages. If you receive a message purporting to be from Netflix, verify its authenticity by directly logging into your account through the official Netflix website or app.

By adopting these precautionary measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to phishing attacks and safeguard their online security.

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Stay Safe Online: Avoid These Common Cybersecurity Mistakes

With over 450,000 new malicious programs detected every day according to the AV-TEST Institute, cybersecurity threats are a constant concern. Here are some common mistakes that could be putting your digital life at risk:

1. Leaving your Wi-Fi network or router unprotected

An unsecured Wi-Fi connection is a goldmine for cybercriminals. They can use your network to attack your devices, steal personal information, download dangerous files, or even visit illegal websites. To protect yourself, create a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi network. Consider enabling network encryption (WPA2 or WPA3) and regularly updating your router’s firmware.

2. Using the same PIN for your phone lock screen as your bank

Reusing the same PIN for multiple accounts is incredibly risky. If someone gains access to this PIN, they could potentially access your bank accounts and other sensitive information. Use different PINs for different accounts, especially for financial accounts. Consider using a password manager to help you keep track of your various passwords and PINs.

3. Clicking ads and downloading what you find on the page

Malicious ads can be disguised to look like legitimate offers. Clicking on these ads could lead to malware infections or phishing attempts. If you see an ad for something you’re interested in, it’s safer to navigate directly to the official website instead of clicking the ad.

Not protecting your devices with antivirus software. Protecting your devices with reliable antivirus software is crucial in today’s digital landscape. Antivirus software can help detect and prevent malware infections, block dangerous websites, and protect your personal information.

Choose a reputable antivirus program that offers comprehensive protection and regularly update it to ensure you have the latest security features.

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As part of efforts towards the transformative journey of strengthening National Security with total commitment to robust cybersecurity measures and digital trust, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE has urged the public and private sectors to invest more in the training of cybersecurity professionals, citing that the benefits of securing organisations and processes, far outweighs the cyber-attacks.

The DG made this plea as a Guest Speaker while presenting a paper titled “Alternative to Cybercrime” at the National Cybercrimes Summit 2024, organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

The summit, with the theme; Alternate to Cybercrime: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development,” is a platform that brought together captains of industries, heads of security agencies, traditional and religious leaders to share ideas, expertise and experiences with a focus on enhancing digital skills as strategy to combat cybercrime.

Inuwa emphasised the urgent need to address the growing menace of cybercrime in Nigeria, while proposing alternative paths for Nigeria’s youth and strategies to fortify national cyber resilience.

He detailed the complexities of cybercrime, noting that it is no longer restricted to laptops and desktops but extends to mobile devices, smart TVs, cars, and more, as everything becomes interconnected through technology.

Inuwa outlined five major categories of cybercrime identified by research which are; technical products or services attacks, attacks and extortion, data or identity theft, Scam and Cashing Out or Money Laundering and stated that the financial sector remains the most vulnerable in Africa, with over 3,300 cyber-attacks reported weekly.

While stressing that cybercrime is a global issue that affects every facet of the digital economy, particularly in Nigeria, he said “We are confronted with an urgent reality, Nigeria, a nation with a rich culture, talent and limitless potential is unfortunately grappling with the global menace of cybercrime but today, we are going to look at alternatives to cybercrime.”

Enumerating the underlying factors that trigger cybercrimes such as unemployment, financial incentives and lack of awareness of the legal and moral implications, Inuwa called for a more holistic approach to combating cybercrime, not only through law enforcement but also by offering viable alternatives to those tempted by illegal online activities.

“We need to look at alternatives to cybercrime and the government must focus on digital literacy, skills development, and job creation to steer young Nigerians away from cybercriminality,” he averred.

Inuwa reiterated the importance of providing positive alternatives for Nigerian youth and stressed the potential of the digital economy to create millions of jobs and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.

The highlight of the event witnessed the first lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, unveiling and launching the EFCC Rapid Response Centre, a response desk against cybercrime that can be accessed at any time of the day.

Other dignitaries present at the event were the Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the Ooni of Ile Ife who was represented by the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Dr Daniel Okoh and many others.

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Nigerian fintech giant Flutterwave has partnered with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to set up a Cybercrime Research Center in Nigeria.

This initiative, announced in a joint statement, aims to intensify the fight against Internet crime, enhance the security of business transactions, and provide sustainable opportunities for youths across the country.

The partnership was formalized on June 14, 2024, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by EFCC Secretary Mr. Mohammadu Hammajoda and Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola.

The Cybercrime Research Center will be located at the new EFCC Academy, serving as a hub for advanced research, training, and capacity building in the fight against financial crimes.

Key focus areas for the center include:

Advanced Fraud Detection and Prevention: The center will develop and implement cutting-edge technologies to detect and prevent financial fraud. Comprehensive training for law enforcement and industry professionals will be provided to effectively combat modern financial crimes.

Collaborative Research and Policy Development: Joint research initiatives and policy formulation will enhance the understanding and regulation of financial crime. The center will facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices between the public and private sectors.

Youth Empowerment and Capacity Building: High-end training and research opportunities will be offered to 500 youths, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in the digital economy.

Technological Advancement and Resource Enablement: The center will create a repository of advanced tools, technologies, and resources to support financial crime investigations, including protocols for addressing emerging threats such as cryptocurrency-related crimes.

Commenting on the initiative, Flutterwave’s CEO, Agboola, emphasized the company’s dedication to promoting secure transactions.

“This initiative underscores our commitment to creating a fraud-free financial ecosystem and leading the charge in safeguarding transactions across Africa. We applaud the EFCC’s relentless efforts to combat internet fraud and other illicit activities in the financial sector.”

EFCC Executive Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede expressed his appreciation for the partnership, noting, “The EFCC is impressed with the strides and expanse of Flutterwave across Africa.

“This partnership marks a significant leap forward in our efforts to combat financial crimes and ensure a secure financial landscape for Nigerians.

“The Cybercrime Research Center will significantly enhance our capabilities to prevent, detect, and prosecute financial crimes.

“As the payments ecosystem continues to evolve, financial fraud remains a significant challenge, threatening the stability and trust in financial systems.”

The partnership between Flutterwave and the EFCC exemplifies how public-private collaboration can effectively address these issues, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous economy in Nigeria and across Africa.

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TECHDIGEST – Microsoft and other technology companies claimed on Wednesday that they attempted to thwart a cybercriminal organization whose destructive software has been used in ransomware assaults and other hacks throughout the world.

Microsoft (MSFT) was able to confiscate 65 internet domains used by the hacking gang behind widely used malware known as ZLoader thanks to a court order from the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, according to Microsoft.

READ ALSO: Buhari Lauds $200m Microsoft African Development Centre in Nigeria

Since its discovery in 2019, ZLoader has been utilized in a slew of financially motivated hacking schemes, many of which have targeted North American businesses. According to Microsoft, the hackers were also involved in a tool for delivering a sort of ransomware that has to be employed in hacks against health-care institutions.

Microsoft said it had identified one of the individuals involved in the hacking ring and had passed the information on to police officials.

Lumen and Palo Alto Networks, both headquartered in the United States, as well as ESET, based in Slovakia, were among the other cybersecurity businesses involved in the takedown.

Last week, Microsoft announced that it had used a court order to disable seven internet domains that were being used by a hacker group linked to Russian intelligence, most likely in support of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The steps aren’t fatal to the hacker groups, but they represent a significant step toward making it more difficult for them to function.

“Every time we have a successful takedown like this, we raise the cost of doing business for them and set an example for their successors that there is a higher risk connected with their nefarious operations,” said Wendi Whitmore, head of Palo Alto Networks’ security division.

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