NITDA Alerts Nigerians on Rising Sextortion Threats

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) warned Nigerians on October 3 about the rising threat of sextortion, an online blackmail scheme where perpetrators threaten to release intimate images unless victims comply with demands. This warning was part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities through NITDA's Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT).

Sextortion can affect individuals of all ages and often starts on social media and messaging platforms. NITDA noted that criminals can use artificial intelligence to generate convincing fake explicit images without actual intimate images of the victims.

The agency cautioned that complying with demands may not end the threats, as perpetrators often continue to extort victims. NITDA emphasized that children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable due to fear and shame, which may prevent them from reporting the abuse.

The agency advised against sending intimate images online and recommended that victims refrain from complying with demands. NITDA's warning coincides with an increase in sextortion cases involving Nigerians, with significant financial losses reported.