With 2025 just beginning, Nigeria’s digital landscape faces an intensifying cybercrime challenge, fuelled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Cybercriminals are leveraging AI technologies to amplify the scale, precision, and impact of their attacks, creating a complex battlefield for individuals, businesses, and government institutions. Here’s what to expect in 2025 as cybercrime evolves into an even more sophisticated menace.
In a chilling demonstration of how technology can fuel deception, Nigerian scammers recently made global headlines by allegedly impersonating Hollywood actor Brad Pitt using artificial intelligence (AI). The fraudsters duped a French woman into sending €830,000, convincing her of their authenticity with AI-generated visuals and fake messages. The case, which shocked authorities, highlights the growing use of AI in cybercrime, turning fiction into reality for unsuspecting victims.
The Brad Pitt scam is far from an isolated incident. In recent years, cybercriminals in Nigeria have embraced AI as a powerful tool to enhance their fraudulent schemes, with deepfakes, personalized phishing messages, and synthetic identities becoming the new norm. These developments signal a troubling trend that we believe will dominate Nigeria’s cybercrime landscape in 2025.
Phishing attacks will become increasingly difficult to detect as scammers deploy AI and generative AI (GenAI) to create hyper-personalised messages. These attacks will mimic the writing style and behaviour of trusted individuals or organisations, tricking victims into sharing sensitive information or transferring funds. Imagine receiving an email that perfectly matches the tone of your CEO, requesting urgent financial transfers. This is no longer speculation—AI-driven phishing attacks of this nature have already caused millions in losses in Nigeria, and the trend will escalate in 2025.
Deepfake technology will continue to play a pivotal role in cybercrime. Scammers will use AI to generate realistic video and audio impersonations of public figures, CEOs, or even family members. In real-time, these deepfakes will facilitate high-stakes fraud, extortion, or blackmail. In 2024, a Nigerian syndicate used deepfake technology to impersonate a top government official in a video call, convincing an international NGO to release funds for a fake project. In 2025, this technology will become more accessible to criminals, further eroding trust in digital communications.
Ransomware attacks, already a major global concern, will evolve with the integration of AI. AI-powered ransomware will target specific vulnerabilities with surgical precision, encrypt critical data, and demand payments in cryptocurrency, leaving organisations crippled. Nigeria’s healthcare and financial sectors, already struggling with ransomware attacks, are expected to face a surge in these threats in 2025. Attackers may even use AI to dynamically adapt their malware to bypass security systems, making traditional defences obsolete.
Nigeria’s burgeoning cryptocurrency market presents fertile ground for cybercriminals. AI will enable the creation of sophisticated fake investment platforms, complete with deepfake testimonials and realistic user interfaces. These scams will lure unsuspecting victims into depositing their funds, only for the platforms to disappear overnight. In 2023, a ₦2 billion crypto fraud shook Nigeria, with victims drawn in by promises of guaranteed returns. With AI improving the realism of such schemes, 2025 is poised to see an uptick in crypto-related scams targeting both individuals and businesses.
As smart devices and Internet of Things (IoT) systems become more widespread in Nigerian households and industries, cybercriminals will exploit vulnerabilities in these interconnected devices. From hijacking smart home systems to launching large-scale botnet attacks, IoT exploitation will become a key element of Nigeria’s cybercrime landscape in 2025.
Combatting these advanced threats requires a multi-faceted approach:
- AI-Driven Defence Systems: Organisations must invest in AI-powered cybersecurity tools to detect and counter sophisticated attacks.
- Public Awareness: Nigerians need to be educated about the risks of AI-enabled scams, ransomware, and phishing to improve individual and organisational defences.
- Stronger Legislation and Enforcement: Strengthening the Cybercrime Act and improving law enforcement capabilities will be critical in holding cybercriminals accountable.
Amidst these challenges, GoLegit Africa (www.golegit.africa) is emerging as a transformative force in tackling cybercrime at its roots. The organisation focuses on rehabilitating individuals involved in cybercrime, particularly those leveraging AI for malicious purposes, and redirecting their skills towards legitimate opportunities in technology and entrepreneurship. Key initiatives by GoLegit Africa includes youth rehabilitation, public awareness, and collaborations. By addressing the socio-economic factors driving cybercrime and equipping at-risk youth with legitimate skills, GoLegit Africa will not only reduce the talent pool for cybercriminal networks but also promoting a culture of integrity and innovation in Nigeria’s tech space.
As 2025 unfolds, Nigeria’s cybercrime landscape will be shaped by the dual forces of technological advancement and human ingenuity. Cybercriminals will undoubtedly continue to exploit AI to push the boundaries of deception and disruption. However, with proactive measures, robust defences, and cybersecurity awareness programmes, Nigeria can rise to meet these challenges and secure its digital future. The battle against cybercrime is no longer just about technology—it’s about shaping mindsets, fostering resilience, and creating opportunities for ethical growth in a rapidly digitising world.
Remi Afon is the Founder/CEO, GoLegit Africa