The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised an alarm over a surge in fraudulent messages and cyberattack attempts targeting unsuspecting members of the public.
In a press release issued by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, on April 21, 2026, the apex bank said it had observed the circulation of fake emails, messages, and online communications falsely claiming to originate from the CBN. These messages, according to the bank, are designed to mislead the public and compromise personal information.
The CBN explained that many of the fraudulent communications prompt recipients to click on suspicious links or provide sensitive details, often under the guise of updates about the Bank’s leadership, licensing, or policy matters.
To curb the growing threat, the Bank urged Nigerians to exercise caution when interacting with online content related to the institution. It advised the public to avoid clicking on unverified links, refrain from sharing personal or financial information on suspicious platforms, and always confirm the authenticity of any communication through its official website and recognised media channels.
The apex bank further encouraged individuals to report any suspected fraudulent messages, emails, or websites to relevant law enforcement authorities for prompt action.
Reaffirming its commitment to financial system security, the CBN stated that it is continuously strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure in collaboration with relevant agencies to safeguard Nigerians against digital fraud.
