The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is sounding the alarm over a surging wave of online dating scams, romance fraud, and sextortion schemes targeting Nigerians, especially youths and digitally-active users, in what authorities are describing as a “worrying digital trend.”
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, is issuing the warning in a public statement from Force Headquarters in Abuja, as the Police say they are observing an uptick in cyber-enabled romance fraud where scammers manipulate victims through fake relationships, often leading to financial loss, extortion, or even personal harm.
“We are seeing more and more Nigerians, particularly the youth—but even the elderly—falling victim to romance scams online,” Adejobi says. “People are catching cruise online and falling for friendships that end in tragedy.”
The Police are urging Nigerians to profile online acquaintances thoroughly, warning that what starts as a digital connection may end in criminal setups, ritual killings, rape, or blackmail.
The Police are urging Nigerians to profile online acquaintances thoroughly, warning that what starts as a digital connection may end in criminal setups, ritual killings, rape, or blackmail.
Sextortion: Young Nigerians are being targeted, Police warn
According to the Force, these cybercriminals are using digital platforms to lure victims into intimate conversations, often under false pretences of love or friendship, only to turn against them through threats, demands for money, or public exposure of private content.
“You must be cautious. Do not be too quick to trust people online,” Adejobi is advising. “Take time to know them—ask about their family, community, and history. Don’t be rushed.”
The NPF is stressing that romance scams and cyber-fraud are serious criminal offences under Nigerian law, and warns perpetrators that law enforcement is actively tracking cybercrime activities.
The warning comes amid growing concerns about the rise of sextortion—where criminals trick victims into sharing private images or videos, and then threaten to leak them unless paid a ransom. Adejobi says some Nigerians are unknowingly visiting dubious websites or chat rooms that serve as hunting grounds for predators.
“Let us maintain our dignity as Nigerians. There are spaces online you should not even visit. They will expose you to things that undermine our values,” the Police spokesman warns.
Romance scams are criminal and punishable
The NPF is stressing that romance scams and cyber-fraud are serious criminal offences under Nigerian law, and warns perpetrators that law enforcement is actively tracking cybercrime activities.
“These are not pranks. They are criminal, inhumane, and punishable by law,” Adejobi says. “As a responsive institution, we are committed to protecting the public and preventing these crimes from spreading.”
The Police are also calling on internet users to report suspicious individuals and online interactions to the authorities without delay.
“If someone you meet online is trying to manipulate, scam or trick you—talk to the Police,” Adejobi says. “Our duty is to help you.”
Upholding digital morality and cyber hygiene
Adejobi is urging Nigerians to uphold traditional values of morality, caution, and self-respect, even in virtual spaces.
“Let us remember who we are as Nigerians. Our values matter—both online and offline. Decency and caution are your best defences in today’s digital world,” he adds.
As online platforms continue to serve as both lifelines and landmines, the Nigeria Police Force is calling for increased public awareness and responsible use of digital technology to prevent users from falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
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