Introduction
Cybercrime in Nigeria – The Foreign Factor is one of the least discussed but most critical dimensions of our nation’s digital challenges. It has become a growing menace. From online fraud to sophisticated hacking networks, the threat landscape is expanding every day. While local actors tend to receive the most attention, the foreign factor is beginning to play a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s cybercrime environment. We cannot afford to wait and watch. It must be examined if we are to safeguard our digital future.
In a recent feature by The Guardian (August 23, 2025), I shared my thoughts as part of a broader discussion on this urgent issue. While the report captured key points, I would like to provide my complete perspective here for context.
As Nigeria’s inaugural Tech Mentor of the Year and developer of the country’s first National Data Protection and Privacy Certification Program, I have observed how foreign influence drives cybercrime in Nigeria. Cybercrime is not just a Nigerian problem. But we can’t afford to be passive onlookers. It is part of a global web of digital crime, one that Nigeria must understand and address strategically.
The following is my attempt to explore cybercrime in Nigeria – the foreign factor. How does it shape the nation’s cyber landscape? What are the implications for the economy? And, most importantly, what we must do to protect our digital future?
Cybercrime in Nigeria – The Foreign Factor Explained
The “foreign factor” refers to the role played by external actors in Nigeria’s cybercrime environment. With the internet breaking down physical borders and creating opportunities for Nigerians, cybercriminals from across the world are now also targeting Nigeria’s growing online population. An enormous potential for good or for bad?
Foreign syndicates tend to provide the tools, training, and resources that enable local fraudsters to operate. From phishing kits to ransomware software, much of the technology behind cybercrime originates outside Nigeria. These groups also offer encouragement and enticement to Nigerians made vulnerable and weakened by the harsh economic climate. “Get-rich-quick” is increasingly an attractive “get-out-of-jail” card for many, while ethics and values suffer. This cross-border dimension underscores that fighting cybercrime requires more than local engagement and solutions. International collaboration is not a luxury but a necessity.
Just last week, according to the BBC, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) deported dozens of convicted foreigners. It was part of a sting operation that arrested 192 suspects, including 148 Chinese nationals, in what has been described as one of the country’s largest crackdowns on “foreign-led” cybercrime syndicates. This development further highlights that cybercrime in Nigeria – the foreign factor is not a theoretical matter. It is a present and urgent reality shaping our digital security.
How Foreign Actors Shape Cybercrime in Nigeria
Foreign actors shape cybercrime in Nigeria in several ways:
- International syndicates: These are organized groups abroad that design and deploy scams, then recruit Nigerian collaborators.
- Technology transfer: Resources, hacking tools, dark web marketplaces, and malware are made available outside Nigeria.
- Recruitment of Nigerian youth: Foreign groups tap into Nigeria’s youth potential for negative ends. Nature abhors a vacuum. The focus of such groups is to take advantage of high unemployment levels as well as the digital curiosity and talents of young Nigerians to lure them into online crime.
These external influences fuel the perception that Nigeria is a global hub and home for cybercrime. It is a narrative, a stereotype that has unfortunately gained ground over the years. In reality, much of the infrastructure and activity driving global cybercrime originates elsewhere.
Cybercrime in Nigeria – The Foreign Factor and Its Impact on the Digital Economy
The consequences of the foreign factor in Nigeria’s cybercrime landscape are both negative and far-reaching:
- Financial losses: Billions of naira are lost annually to online fraud and data breaches.
- Erosion of trust: A thriving digital economy depends on trust. When people are afraid to transact online, banks, fintech startups, and e-commerce platforms face serious credibility challenges that hinder growth.
- Global reputation: Nigeria’s image as a digital hub is undermined by associations with cybercrime.
- Pressure on infrastructure and human capacity: Law enforcement and regulatory agencies struggle to keep pace with rapidly changing foreign-driven threats.
If left unchecked, these challenges could hamper Nigeria’s ability to become Africa’s leading digital economy, despite its obvious potentials and advantages.
Cybercrime in Nigeria – Local Responses to the Foreign Factor
Nigeria has taken important steps to address cybercrime, especially the foreign dimension:
- Government agencies like NITDA, NCC, EFCC, and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) are developing and implementing regulations and enforcement.
- International partnerships with Interpol, ECOWAS, and the African Union aim to improve intelligence sharing.
- Industry initiatives in fintech, technology, telecoms, and data protection sectors help in strengthening compliance.
However, enforcement remains inconsistent, resources are limited, and there is still a wide skills gap in cybersecurity. From my experience in policy development and as a stakeholder, I have observed critical gaps in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime. Greater imagination and commitment are required from actors in the public and private sectors, as well as from civil society, advocacy groups, and professional bodies. Equally important is the translation of these into concrete, practical actions. Simply identifying the problem, hosting events, setting up committees, or resorting to sloganeering is not enough. These shortcomings weaken Nigeria’s ability to effectively counter both local and foreign-driven threats.
What Nigeria Must Do to Reduce the Foreign Factor in Cybercrime
To reduce the foreign factor in Nigeria’s cybercrime problem, we must be both strategic and decisive:
- Strengthen cybersecurity laws and enforcement to address Nigeria’s specific local needs while aligning with global best practices.
- Invest in local cybersecurity talent through education, training, and mentorship. Promote cybersecurity careers and drive societal change against “get-rich-quick” schemes and online fraud.
- Promote digital ethics, responsible and empathetic use of technology, especially among young people. Cybersecurity fundamentals, integrating ethics, responsibility, and empathy, should be embedded in digital literacy education from an early age.
- Deepen international cooperation with stronger intelligence sharing and joint operations.
- Encourage public-private partnerships and multistakeholder collaboration to foster engagement and build resilience across sectors.
- Above, all, imagination and commitment are critical. Nigeria must move beyond speeches, events and committees toward practical action. This means fostering a culture of innovation in the cybersecurity space, encouraging feedback, and continually learning and adapting. Cybersecurity is a constantly moving target.
By combining policy, innovation, mentoring and culture shift, Nigeria can shift from being a target, a passenger and an onlooker to being a creator, driver and leader in global cybersecurity.
Conclusion
Cybercrime in Nigeria – The Foreign Factor cannot be ignored. We can’t wish it away. It is deeply embedded in the digital threats facing the country today. If Nigeria is to unlock the promise of its digital economy, it must strengthen capacity, build ethical digital citizens, and collaborate globally.
As an ICT for Development advocate, technology policy advisor, and mentor, I remain committed to ensuring that Nigeria and Africa leverage technology responsibly. This is not just an opportunity to fight cybercrime, it is an avenue to unlocking innovation, trust, and sustainable development.
Author: Jide Awe
Science, Technology and Innovation policy advisor.
Link to Guardian article:
How Foreign Nationals Escalate Cybercrime in Nigeria
Nigeria’s Inaugural Tech Mentor of the Year
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