Massive Digital Cleanup: 28 Million Nigerian Accounts Removed in Anti-Fraud Operation
In a sweeping digital security operation, Nigeria's Federal Government has partnered with global technology giants to remove more than 28 million Nigerian accounts from major online platforms over the past twelve months. The coordinated effort targets online fraud, identity theft, and harmful content circulating on digital spaces.
The disclosure came from Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), who revealed the staggering figures during a symposium on digital innovations in crisis communication. The event was organized by the Centre for Crisis Communication on Monday, November 25, 2025.
Platform-by-Platform Breakdown of Account Removals
The detailed statistics show varying levels of enforcement across different platforms. Google led the charge by deactivating 9,680,141 accounts connected to scams, identity fraud, and harmful material. Meanwhile, the professional networking platform LinkedIn removed nearly 16 million Nigerian accounts, a figure that particularly concerned officials.
TikTok also participated significantly in the cleanup operation, though specific numbers for the platform weren't broken down separately. Abdullahi expressed particular alarm about LinkedIn's high numbers, noting that the platform's professional orientation hadn't prevented widespread misuse.
"For me, this is outrageous because LinkedIn is mostly a professional site. So why are people using it to cause crises and other things? They use it for impersonation and for social engineering to defraud organisations and individuals," Abdullahi stated during his presentation.
Content Removal and Reinstatement Procedures
Beyond account suspensions, the collaboration resulted in the removal of over 58.9 million pieces of content across these platforms during the same period. However, the process included safeguards, with 420,000 posts being reinstated following user complaints or internal platform reviews.
Abdullahi emphasized the importance of balanced content moderation, stressing that "If content is not violating any laws in Nigeria, there is no way we can just say take it down." He highlighted the need for clear reinstatement mechanisms to protect minority voices and prevent potential abuse of takedown powers by governments or influential interests.
The ongoing partnership between Nigerian authorities and technology companies has strengthened communication channels and supported the development of regulatory frameworks, including Nigeria's Data Protection Regulation, which led to the establishment of the Nigerian Data Protection Commission.
Broader Implications for Digital Security and Crisis Management
In remarks delivered on behalf of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, emphasized that emerging technologies must be harnessed to enhance crisis communication while protecting public safety.
The Minister noted that while technology creates new opportunities, it also presents challenges that could undermine national stability if left unregulated. "It is not only the insecurity that we battle, but also the narrative that frames the insecurity," he observed, highlighting the dual nature of digital platforms in both creating and solving security challenges.
Retired Major General Chris Olukolade, Chairman of the Centre for Crisis Communication, reinforced that crisis communication has evolved into a strategic national security asset. He pointed out that modern emergencies unfold in real-time and increasingly depend on verified information, institutional coordination, and swift public responses.
The massive account removal operation demonstrates Nigeria's escalating efforts to combat digital fraud and protect citizens from online harms through strategic partnerships with global technology leaders.
