The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a public alert regarding fraudulent messages and malicious links circulating online, designed to compromise personal bank accounts and steal sensitive financial information.
In a press release dated April 21, 2026, signed by Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, the apex bank cautioned Nigerians about deceptive emails and online communications falsely claiming to originate from the institution. The fraudulent messages, according to the statement, promote false information about the CBN’s leadership, licensing activities, and policy matters, while tricking recipients into clicking harmful links.
“These fraudulent messages, which prompt recipients to click links, peddle false information about the Bank’s leadership, licensing, and policy issues, and are intended to hack personal accounts,” the CBN stated.
The bank clarified that its official website remains the sole verified channel for authentic communications and urged the public to refrain from clicking suspicious links or sharing personal information online. Citizens were advised to verify any communication attributed to the CBN through its official platforms and recognized media channels.
The warning follows a recent cybersecurity breach at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), which temporarily shut down its online portal from April 17 to April 20, 2026. Reports indicated that up to 25 million documents may have been exfiltrated from the Commission’s systems after unauthorized access was detected. In response, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission has launched a formal investigation into the incident.
This is not the first time the CBN has raised concerns over digital security. In June 2025, the bank directed Nigerian banks and fintech firms to reinforce their cybersecurity frameworks in anticipation of increased vulnerabilities associated with open banking systems.
A recent report by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation highlighted the growing sophistication of cyber threats, noting that cybercrime involving artificial intelligence led to global losses exceeding $893 million in 2025. The report ranked Nigeria among the top 15 countries affected, with 1,219 complaints recorded. Total international cybercrime-related losses approached $1.6 billion, with complaints originating from over 200 countries.
The CBN reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the financial system and urged citizens to remain vigilant against evolving cyber threats.
