A recent cybersecurity report has revealed that over 150,000 Nigerian online accounts were compromised in the first six months of 2025, highlighting the growing threat of data breaches and cyberattacks within the country. The alarming figures, obtained exclusively by KIIN360, underscore persistent vulnerabilities in digital security frameworks across both private and public sectors.
The report, compiled by a leading cybersecurity firm operating in West Africa, indicates that the majority of breaches targeted financial services, e-commerce platforms, and government portals, exposing sensitive user information such as personal identification details, banking credentials, and transaction histories. Experts suggest that cybercriminals exploited a mix of phishing scams, malware attacks, and weak password protocols to infiltrate systems.
Among the affected institutions are some of Nigeria’s prominent banks and online payment services, with individual users bearing the brunt of fraudulent withdrawals and identity theft. The report warns that without immediate and coordinated response efforts, the scale of breaches could escalate, jeopardizing consumer trust and financial stability.
Cybersecurity specialists contacted emphasize that the rise in account compromises aligns with Nigeria’s expanding digital economy and increased internet penetration, which, while beneficial, also presents lucrative targets for hackers. They stress the urgent need for stronger regulatory oversight, enhanced encryption standards, and widespread public education on cyber hygiene.
In response to these developments, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have reportedly intensified collaboration with security agencies and private sector stakeholders to develop more robust defense mechanisms and incident response protocols.
Victims of these breaches are advised to monitor their accounts closely, update passwords regularly, and enable multi-factor authentication where available. Authorities continue to urge Nigerians to exercise caution when sharing personal information online and to report suspicious activities promptly.
As cyber threats evolve rapidly, this report serves as a stark reminder that Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape requires sustained investment and proactive strategies to protect the growing number of digital users and critical infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated attacks.