That Interpol’s 3,459 cyber threat detections in Nigeria | #cybercrime | #infosec

The recent revelation by Interpol, detailing 3,459 ransomware threat detections in Nigeria in 2024, serves as a stark and unequivocal wake-up call for the nation. Ranking Nigeria as the third most targeted country in Africa for ransomware, behind only Egypt and South Africa, this data from Interpol’s 2025 Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report underscores the escalating and multifaceted cyber threats menacing our digital landscape.
 
The rising cases of cyber threats and attacks have not only been detected by the Interpol, but also by cybersecurity firms, including CheckPoint, Sophos, among others, who have continued to alert Nigeria to the rising menace.
 
Indeed, it is a critical moment for Nigeria to reassess its cybersecurity posture and commit to a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder response. The reported figure of 3,459 ransomware threats is not merely a statistic; it represents potential economic devastation, compromised critical infrastructure, erosion of public trust, and a direct assault on national security. The report highlights that cybercrime now accounts for over 30 per cent of all reported crimes in West and East Africa, with incidents like the April 2024 breach at Flutterwave, where an estimated $7 million was stolen, providing tangible examples of the severe financial repercussions. Ransomware, online scams, business email compromise (BEC), and sextortion are identified as the most dangerous cyber threats, evolving with alarming speed and sophistication.
   
Interpol said cyber criminals have not ceased to unleash attacks, especially in Nigeria and the entire continent, with attacks almost daily, stressing that Africa’s growing digital landscape is becoming a target for sophisticated cybercrime operations.

The international criminal police organisation noted that private sector partners showed a notable rise in monthly ransomware detections in 2024. The Director of Cybercrime, Interpol, Neal Jetton, said the fourth edition of the ‘Cyber Threat Assessment in Africa’ report provided an up-to-date analysis of the digital context in the region, based on operational data and cooperation with the private sector. He highlighted the emergence of threats such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) fraud and stressed that “no country can tackle them alone.”

On his part, the Interim Executive Director of Afripol, Amb. Jalel Chelba, pointed out that cybersecurity “is no longer just a technical issue, but a key pillar for stability, peace and sustainable development” in Africa.
 
Candidly, Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy and increasing Internet penetration, while being drivers of growth and innovation, have also inadvertently created a fertile ground for cybercriminals. These malicious actors are exploiting vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure, gaps in law enforcement capabilities, and, regrettably, a persistent lack of adequate cybersecurity awareness among the populace.
   
The finding was by Deimos, a hybrid multi-cloud solution firm, saying that so many things make nations particularly vulnerable. The firm noted that Nigeria and South Africa are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats due to their economic prominence, high internet adoption, and rapid digital transformation, among others.   

Accordingly, as two of Africa’s largest economies, they host significant financial activity and rely heavily on digital platforms, making them prime targets for cybercriminals seeking financial gain. It noted that Nigeria has a massive and growing online population, while South Africa boasts one of the highest Internet penetration rates on the continent, saying this widespread connectivity increases the attack surface for malicious actors.
 
The firm noted that both countries also face challenges with outdated infrastructure and legacy systems, which are more susceptible to exploitation. It noted that while their rapid digital adoption is a strength, it also leaves gaps in security preparedness, creating opportunities for sophisticated threat actors, including organised cybercrime groups and state-sponsored attackers.
 
Buttressing this, the Interpol explicitly states that many African countries, including Nigeria, still lack essential IT infrastructure to effectively combat cybercrime, with low percentages of incident reporting systems, digital evidence repositories, and cyber threat intelligence databases.
  
While the challenges are formidable, the response must be equally robust. Nigeria has made some strides, with the Nigeria Police Cybercrime Unit being recognised by Interpol as Africa’s best in 2024, demonstrating capabilities in recovering substantial funds and apprehending cybercriminals. However, this excellent work, while commendable, must be scaled up significantly to address the sheer volume and evolving nature of the threats.
 
Tackling the menace headlong, Nigeria must first strengthen national cybersecurity capabilities. This includes substantial investment in advanced technologies, such as AI-driven threat detection, multi-factor authentication, and blockchain, to enhance defensive mechanisms. Further, developing a robust national incident response framework with regular drills is crucial for effective crisis management.
   
Secondly, enhancing legal and policy frameworks is essential. While Nigeria has a Cybercrime Act, its enforcement needs to be significantly bolstered. This involves providing adequate resources and training for law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to effectively investigate, prosecute, and deter cybercriminals. International cooperation, facilitated by Interpol, is vital given the transnational nature of cybercrime.
  
Thirdly, improving regional and international cooperation is non-negotiable. Sharing threat intelligence, collaborating on joint operations, and harmonising legal frameworks with other African nations and global partners are critical to dismantling transnational cybercriminal networks.
 
Fourthly, expanding prevention and public awareness campaigns is crucial. A digitally literate populace is a resilient one. Continuous public education on common cyber threats like phishing, social engineering, and the importance of strong passwords can significantly reduce the attack surface. It is important to emphasise that businesses and individuals must understand that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility.
  
Finally, deepening public-private partnerships is key. The private sector, with its technological expertise and resources, can play a pivotal role in strengthening national cybersecurity. Collaborative platforms for intelligence sharing and joint initiatives to develop cybersecurity talent are indispensable.
 
The 3,459 cyber threats detected by Interpol are not just a warning; they are a call to arms. Nigeria’s digital future, economic stability and national security depend on how swiftly and decisively it responds to this escalating cyber warfare. The time for proactive, comprehensive, and collaborative action is now.