The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned young Nigerian women against sextortion, online blackmail and involvement in cybercrime, urging them to protect themselves from exploitation and avoid becoming tools for internet fraudsters.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, gave the warning on Monday, October 12, 2026, during an event organised by the African Girl Guild in Abuja to mark the International Day of the Girl Child. The event was held under the theme, “Invest in Her, Empower Her and Let Her Lead.” (Premium Times)
Olukoyede, who was represented by Aisha Muhammed, Head of the commission’s Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit, said criminals exploit vulnerable moments in relationships to threaten, manipulate and extort young women.
He urged girls to be cautious in their relationships and avoid falling victim to people who use private information or intimate images to blackmail others.
What Is Sextortion?
Sextortion is a form of online blackmail in which someone threatens to share a person’s intimate images, videos or sexual information unless the victim pays money, sends more images or meets other demands.
Such threats may come from strangers met online or people the victim knows personally. Perpetrators can also use fake profiles, stolen photographs or digitally manipulated images to intimidate victims.
The threats can cause emotional distress, financial loss and reputational harm. Victims may feel ashamed or afraid to seek help, allowing the blackmail to continue.
The EFCC’s warning highlights the need for young people to recognise these tactics and report suspected exploitation rather than allow fear to keep them silent.
EFCC Warns Against Becoming Tools for Internet Fraudsters
Beyond sextortion, the commission cautioned young women against participating in cybercrime, including allowing internet fraudsters to use their bank accounts to receive or transfer illicit funds.
Olukoyede warned that account holders could face serious legal consequences if their accounts were used for criminal transactions.
He also condemned online blackmail, urging young Nigerians to respect the law and avoid activities that could damage their futures and Nigeria’s reputation.
The warning comes as authorities continue to tackle internet-enabled financial crime and cases involving the online exploitation of vulnerable people.
Financial Independence Can Help Young Women Resist Exploitation
The EFCC chairman encouraged girls to develop practical skills, earn money legally and build healthy financial habits.
He identified technology, coding, tailoring, baking and content creation as possible avenues for developing useful skills and earning a legitimate income.
He also advised young women to save part of their earnings and distinguish between their needs and wants.
According to Olukoyede, financial awareness and independence can help young people make better decisions and resist manipulation by people promising quick money or using financial pressure to exploit them.
What to Do If Someone Threatens to Leak Your Private Images
Anyone facing sextortion should know that the threat is not their fault, and they do not have to handle it alone.
Here are practical steps to take:
- Do not pay or send more images. Giving in may lead to further demands rather than end the threats.
- Preserve evidence. Save messages, usernames, profile links, payment demands and relevant screenshots where it is safe to do so.
- Secure your accounts. Change compromised passwords, enable two-factor authentication and review account privacy settings.
- Report the account and content. Use the platform’s reporting tools and seek assistance from the appropriate Nigerian law-enforcement authorities.
- Tell someone you trust. A trusted adult, family member, counsellor or support organisation can help you take the next steps.
- Seek urgent help if you are in immediate danger. Do not meet or confront the person threatening you alone.
If the victim is under 18, a trusted adult or appropriate child-protection authority should be involved promptly. Intimate images of minors should not be forwarded or reposted as evidence.
EFCC Promotes Integrity Clubs in Schools
Olukoyede said the commission had established Integrity Clubs and Zero Tolerance Clubs in schools across Nigeria to encourage ethical conduct among young people.
He urged students to become ambassadors of integrity in their schools and communities by reporting wrongdoing, respecting the law and making responsible decisions.
At the event, Denen Petronella, an executive assistant to the founder of the African Girl Guide, stressed the importance of education, mentorship, protection and opportunities that help girls build confidence and develop their abilities. She also announced the launch of the organisation’s Camp Amani School Club.
Why the Warning Matters
Sextortion is not simply a question of personal relationships or online behaviour. It is a form of coercion that can have serious emotional, financial and legal consequences.
The message from the EFCC is twofold: young women should be alert to attempts at exploitation, and they should avoid participating in fraud or allowing others to use their identities and bank accounts for illegal activities.
At the same time, victims of sextortion should be encouraged to seek help without fear or shame. Reporting threats and preserving evidence can help authorities investigate perpetrators and prevent further abuse.
As online interactions become increasingly common, digital safety, financial literacy and access to trusted support remain essential to protecting young Nigerians.
WeGoTalk will continue to report on cybercrime, online safety and efforts to protect young people from digital exploitation.
