April 22, (THEWILL) — The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has alerted the public to a surge in fraudulent messages and malicious links aimed at compromising personal bank accounts.
In a statement dated April 21, 2026, and signed by its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, the apex bank said cybercriminals are impersonating the institution through deceptive emails and online messages. These messages often prompt recipients to click harmful links while spreading false information about the Bank’s leadership, licensing, and policies.
According to the CBN, the goal is to steal sensitive personal and financial data. It urged Nigerians to rely solely on its official website and verified communication channels, warning against sharing confidential information or engaging with suspicious links.
The advisory comes amid growing cybersecurity concerns following a recent disruption at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), which shut down its portal from April 17 to 20 after a cyber threat. Reports suggested that up to 25 million documents may have been compromised. The Nigerian Data Protection Commission has since launched an investigation into the breach.
The CBN had earlier cautioned banks and fintech firms in 2025 to strengthen cybersecurity as the sector advances toward open banking. Meanwhile, a report by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) linked AI-driven cybercrime to over $893 million in losses in 2025, highlighting the increasing sophistication of global cyber threats.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
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