A fresh wave of cyber threats is targeting millions of Telegram users globally, with Nigeria identified as one of the most exposed markets due to its large user base and growing reliance on digital platforms.
A recent cybersecurity report has revealed that despite the removal of more than 43.5 million Telegram channels and groups in 2025, criminal networks continue to thrive, adopting more advanced tactics to evade detection and sustain operations.
Nigeria, with an estimated eight million Telegram users, is increasingly vulnerable as fraudsters exploit the platform’s popularity for cryptocurrency trading, online betting, and digital commerce. These sectors have become prime targets for cybercriminals seeking to defraud unsuspecting users.
Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that enforcement efforts, though aggressive, have failed to significantly disrupt illicit digital ecosystems. Instead, these networks are evolving rapidly, creating backup channels ahead of shutdowns and rebuilding their operations almost immediately after takedowns.
Findings from the report show that Telegram recorded daily removals of up to 140,000 malicious groups, with peak enforcement surpassing 500,000 in a single day. However, this has not translated into a decline in cybercriminal activities.
Experts warn that attackers are now deploying more sophisticated strategies, including “request-to-join” access controls, deceptive disclaimers, and the use of multiple parallel channels to ensure continuity. These methods make it increasingly difficult for authorities to dismantle entire networks.
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The report also highlighted unusual spikes in forwarded messages linked to previously blocked sources, particularly during peak enforcement periods between February and April 2025, suggesting that users remain exposed to recycled and repackaged threats.
Industry analysts say the situation reflects a growing paradox, where record-breaking enforcement actions coexist with an expanding threat landscape, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current cybersecurity measures on widely used messaging platforms.
With Nigeria’s digital economy expanding rapidly, stakeholders are urging stronger user awareness, improved cybersecurity frameworks, and closer collaboration between platform operators and regulators to curb the rising tide of online threats.
