The Nigeria Police Force has called on citizens to adopt safe online practices. The force said internet-related fraud is increasing. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the National Cybercrime Centre, Akaninyene Ezima, made the call on Saturday in Abuja. He spoke at the 2026 World Cyber Security Awareness Walkathon. He said public education is critical to reducing cybercrime.
Nigeria has faced a surge in cybercrime. In 2024, the EFCC reported losses running into billions of naira. Investment scams are common. Fraudsters promise high returns. They show fake dashboards. Victims cannot withdraw their money. Romance scams exploit emotional connections. Sexual extortion involves intimate photos. The police have arrested suspects. But prevention is better than prosecution.
Ezima warned Nigerians against investment fraud, romance scams and sexual extortion. He said some victims lost hundreds of millions of naira. Others lost billions. He questioned schemes promising 30% monthly returns. He advised citizens to verify opportunities. He urged them not to share personal information or financial details online. He said cybercrime is not exclusively Nigerian. International criminal networks target Nigeria. The police have arrested foreign nationals. The awareness walk was part of a week-long initiative. It aimed to deepen public understanding.
Winners: The police, which shows vigilance. Citizens who heed the advice. The digital economy, which gains trust. Banks and fintechs, which gain security. Losers: Fraudsters, who face awareness. Victims who lose money. The scammers’ networks, which face disruption. No serious losers if the advice works.
Bottom Line: Online fraud is rising. The police say education is key. Investment scams, romance scams, sexual extortion. The warnings are clear. Nigerians must be careful. Prevention is cheaper than prosecution.