In an update published by **TVC News**, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised an urgent alarm regarding a surge in fraudulent digital communications targeting the public and financial institutions. The apex bank revealed that cybercriminals are utilizing malicious links in emails and SMS to gain unauthorized access to personal bank accounts under the guise of official policy updates.
The statement, signed by Acting Director of Corporate Communications Hakama Sidi Ali, warned that these messages often spread misinformation about bank licensing and leadership changes. The CBN emphasized that it does not request sensitive account details via social media or unsolicited links and urged Nigerians to rely solely on its official website for policy directives.
**The Premium Times** corroborated the report, stating the bank “urged Nigerians to only rely on information on its official website and recognized media outlets.” **Channels TV** further highlighted the technological aspect, quoting a cybersecurity expert who said, “the sophisticated nature of these hack attempts suggests an organized syndicate targeting the nation’s financial core.”
**Echotitbits take:** As Nigeria pushes for a more cashless economy, the vulnerability to cybercrime grows. This alert suggests that a major breach may have been attempted; expect the CBN to roll out stricter two-factor authentication requirements for mobile banking apps very soon.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/cbn-alerts-public-to-surge-in-fake-emails-online-scams/, April 22, 2026
Photo credit: The Punch
