LAGOS, NIGERIA — The Nigerian government has raised a serious warning to all Android phone users. A new phone virus called Tria Stealer is now spreading across the country, and it is targeting people’s WhatsApp, Telegram, and bank apps. This virus can steal your private messages, your bank information, and even send money out of your account without your knowledge.
The warning came from ngCERT, Nigeria’s official cybersecurity team. They say that this virus is spreading through fake invitations shared on WhatsApp and Telegram. It may look like a wedding or birthday invite from someone you know. But once you click the link and install the app, the virus enters your phone.
What happens next is dangerous. Tria Stealer hides in your phone like a system app. You may not even know it’s there. It secretly watches your messages, reads your bank alerts, and can even receive your bank’s OTP (one-time password). That means it can log into your bank app, transfer money, and steal your account details, all without you seeing anything wrong.
The virus also uses your WhatsApp or Telegram account to spread more fake links to your contacts. So your friends may think you sent them a message, but it’s really the virus tricking them too.
This is not like the regular “Yahoo boys” trick. It’s high-tech fraud. The virus is very smart. It hides from most antivirus apps and can survive even when you restart your phone. It also talks to its owners through a Telegram bot (a kind of robot), and sends your stolen data to them immediately.
The big fear is that many Nigerians will fall victim because the virus looks like a normal message from a friend. And once it enters your phone, it takes full control.
To stay safe, the government says:
• Do not download apps from links sent to you on WhatsApp or Telegram, especially if they ask you to install something or open a file.
• Only download apps from the Google Play Store, not from unknown websites or links.
• Check your phone regularly for unknown apps and delete any suspicious ones.
• Don’t give any app permission to read your SMS or access your calls unless it is from a trusted source.
• Install a good antivirus app from the Play Store and keep it updated.
If you run a small business or use WhatsApp for business, this virus can also harm your customers. Some businesses have already lost money after staff phones were infected and used to trick people into paying fake invoices.
Experts say this is one of the worst phone viruses Nigeria has seen in years. As many people now use their phones for banking, buying things online, and chatting with friends and family, this virus can destroy lives in minutes.
The Nigerian government is asking everyone to be alert. Don’t trust every message—even if it comes from your friend. Double-check links before you click, and never install any app that didn’t come from Google Play Store.
This is not just a warning for tech people. It is for everyone. If your phone is infected, your money and privacy are at serious risk. Be smart, stay alert, and help others avoid this new cyber trap.
