The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a cybersecurity alert warning Nigerians of a surge in phishing campaigns and coordinated cyber intrusion attempts targeting individuals through fake messages and online communications.
In a statement signed by Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications. on Tuesday, the apex bank said the threat actors are deploying fraudulent emails, SMS, and cloned web links designed to impersonate official CBN channels in a bid to harvest sensitive personal and financial data.
The Bank explained that the attack pattern reflects common social engineering tactics, where unsuspecting users are lured into clicking malicious links under the guise of urgent updates relating to banking policies, licensing information, or leadership announcements. Once engaged, these links may trigger credential harvesting, malware installation, or unauthorised access to personal accounts.
According to the CBN, the growing sophistication of these cyber threats underscores the need for heightened digital vigilance, particularly as financial services increasingly migrate online.
The apex bank stressed that its official website (www.cbn.gov.ng) remains the only verified digital platform for its communications, urging the public to disregard unsolicited messages that deviate from established channels.
Cyber Risk Advisory
As part of its cybersecurity guidance, the CBN advised Nigerians to adopt stricter digital hygiene practices, including avoiding suspicious links, refraining from sharing confidential information online, and verifying all communications through trusted sources.
The Bank also encouraged prompt reporting of suspected phishing sites, scam emails, and fraudulent communications to law enforcement agencies to support cybercrime tracking and response efforts.
The CBN reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cyber resilience within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, noting that it continues to collaborate with relevant regulatory and security agencies to enhance threat detection, prevent digital fraud, and protect users across the banking system.
The statement was signed by Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications.
