The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a fresh warning to the public over the rise of fraudulent messages and malicious links designed to gain unauthorised access to personal bank accounts.
In a statement released on April 22, the apex bank said cybercriminals are circulating deceptive emails and online messages falsely claiming to originate from the CBN, with the aim of stealing sensitive financial information.
According to the bank, these messages often prompt recipients to click suspicious links while spreading false information about its leadership, licensing, and policy issues.
The CBN stressed that its official website and verified communication channels remain the only trusted sources of information and urged Nigerians to exercise caution when interacting with unsolicited messages.
The warning comes amid growing cybersecurity concerns in Nigeria, following a recent incident involving the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), which temporarily shut down its online portal after detecting a cyber threat and possible data breach.
Authorities have since launched investigations into the incident, highlighting increasing risks to both public institutions and private users in the digital space.
The CBN advised individuals to avoid clicking on unknown links, refrain from sharing personal or banking details online, and always verify communications through official platforms.
The alert also aligns with earlier directives from the apex bank urging financial institutions to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks, especially as Nigeria moves toward more digitally integrated financial systems.
With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, regulators say vigilance by both institutions and individuals will be critical to safeguarding financial assets and maintaining trust in the banking system.
