Nigeria’s digital space is facing an intensifying wave of cyber threats, with new data showing that organisations in the country now endure more cyberattacks than anywhere else on the continent, underscoring growing vulnerabilities as businesses, banks, and government services move deeper online.

According to the latest Global Threat Intelligence report by Check Point Research, Nigerian organisations experience an average of 4,701 cyberattacks every week, the highest figure recorded across Africa. The report indicates that the volume of attacks continues to rise despite growing awareness about cybersecurity risks, suggesting that threat actors are increasingly targeting the country’s expanding digital economy.

The findings place Nigeria well above both the continental and global averages, highlighting a widening gap between the scale of threats faced locally and those encountered elsewhere. While organisations worldwide recorded a lower average number of attacks, the data suggests that cybercriminals view Nigeria as a particularly attractive target, likely due to its large population, fast-growing fintech sector, and heavy reliance on digital platforms.

The report states that the weekly figure represents a year-on-year increase, rising from levels recorded in late 2025 and indicating sustained pressure rather than a temporary spike. It adds that the persistence of attacks shows that malicious actors “were not relenting and appeared to have seen something very important to explore in the region.”

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Across Africa, Nigeria leads by a clear margin among the countries surveyed. Angola ranks next in attack volume, although its figures declined compared with the previous year. Kenya recorded significantly fewer attacks, with numbers dropping sharply, while South African organisations experienced a notable increase despite remaining far below Nigeria’s levels.

Overall, African organisations faced an average of 2,864 attacks per week, a figure that masks sharp differences between countries. The report notes that while the continental average declined slightly, the rise in Nigeria and South Africa points to uneven exposure and varying levels of cyber resilience across the region.

Globally, organisations encountered an average of 2,090 cyberattacks weekly in January, reflecting continued escalation in digital threats worldwide. Analysts say this steady growth underscores how cybercrime has evolved into a persistent operational risk rather than isolated incidents.

Experts warn that the situation is not only about volume but also about sophistication. Check Point Software Technologies says attackers are deploying increasingly advanced techniques, targeting critical infrastructure, financial systems, and sensitive data.

The Head of Security Engineering for Africa at the company, Ian van Rensburg, cautioned that the figures reflect a shift in both scale and complexity of attacks, raising concerns about preparedness across sectors.

The surge comes at a time when Nigeria is rapidly digitising public services, banking, commerce, and communications. While this transformation is driving economic growth and financial inclusion, it also expands the attack surface for cybercriminals, making organisations more exposed if security measures do not keep pace.

Industry observers say the data reinforces the urgency for stronger cybersecurity frameworks, workforce training, and investment in protective technologies. Without these safeguards, the rising tide of attacks could threaten business continuity, consumer trust, and national security in an increasingly connected economy.

Meiza Nigeria