Nigerians who access other people’s private accounts, impersonate others online, circulate harmful falsehoods or share intimate images without consent risk criminal prosecution, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has warned, as the Nigeria Police Force steps up its campaign against cybercrime.
Disu gave the warning in Abuja during the 2026 Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), themed “Towards a Resilient Cyberspace: Think Before You Click.”
He said some people become entangled in cybercrime through casual online behaviour without understanding the legal consequences.
“Many Nigerians do not wake up to commit cybercrime. They stumble into it through small things done casually,” the police chief said.
Among the offences he identified were unauthorised access to another person’s phone, WhatsApp, email or social media account; creating fake profiles using another person’s identity; sending threatening or harassing messages; knowingly spreading false information capable of causing panic or endangering lives; and distributing private photographs or videos without consent.
He also cautioned against using bank accounts or SIM cards to receive money for unknown parties, generating fake payment alerts or receipts, and trading in other people’s Bank Verification Numbers, National Identification Numbers or bank card details.
These activities can expose individuals to investigations for fraud, identity theft, forgery and other offences, depending on the circumstances and evidence. The police chief also warned that people who knowingly assist or conspire with cybercriminals could face legal consequences.
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The warning has particular relevance for Nigerians who allow friends, relatives or online acquaintances to use their financial accounts. An account holder may attract investigators’ attention when suspicious funds pass through their account, even if another person initiated the transaction. Anyone asked to receive and transfer money should establish its legitimate source rather than assume that lending an account is harmless.
Disu cited the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended, and said penalties for offences could include imprisonment and substantial fines.
“The penalties include imprisonment and heavy fines. Your thumb is powerful; one tap can build a life or ruin one. So before you post, pause. Before you forward, verify. Before you lend, think,” he said.
Beyond individual conduct, the IGP called on banks, fintech companies, payment providers and telecommunications operators to strengthen internal controls against fraud involving compromised credentials, unauthorised access and possible insider collusion.
He recommended tighter access restrictions, employee screening, transaction monitoring, internal audits and prompt reviews of suspicious activity. He stressed that investigations must rely on credible intelligence, respect the law and protect fundamental rights.
Disu also encouraged parents and educators to teach young people online safety and directed aspiring technology professionals towards legitimate careers in cybersecurity, software development and technology entrepreneurship.
Victims of fraud, cyberbullying, sextortion and attempts to recruit them into criminal activity should seek help and report incidents to the appropriate authorities.
The campaign’s central message is that digital responsibility extends beyond avoiding suspicious links. Protecting personal information, verifying claims before sharing them and refusing to facilitate unexplained financial transactions can reduce exposure to both online victimisation and criminal liability.
As more Nigerians depend on digital platforms for communication, banking and business, the distinction between careless online behaviour and conduct that violates the law has become increasingly important.
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