Regulatory cyberattack report

Nigeria Leads Africa in Cyberattacks

Analysis based on 12 articles · First reported Feb 11, 2026 · Last updated Feb 12, 2026

Sentiment

-20

Attention

Articles

Market Impact

Direct

Live prominence charts, article sentiment distribution, and event development timeline available on the NewsDesk Dashboard

Market Impact

The surge in cyberattacks, particularly in Nigeria, highlights increasing cybersecurity risks for businesses and governments globally. This will likely drive increased investment in cybersecurity solutions and regulatory frameworks, benefiting cybersecurity firms like Check Point.

Cybersecurity Financial services Government

Event Summary

A new cybersecurity report by Check Point Research reveals that Nigeria is the most targeted country in Africa, experiencing an average of 4,701 cyberattacks weekly per organization in January 2026, a 12% year-on-year increase. This figure significantly surpasses the African average of 2,864 attacks. Other African nations like Angola, Kenya, and South Africa also face substantial cyber threats, with South Africa seeing a 36% increase. Globally, cyberattacks rose by 17% year-on-year, with Generative AI tools identified as a new vulnerability. The most targeted sectors in Africa are Government, Financial Services, and Consumer Goods and Services. In response, the Nigerian government, through the Nigeria===National Information Technology Development Agency, plans to introduce a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to mandate minimum cybersecurity spending and improve threat intelligence sharing.

Key Actions

100 Nigeria experienced increase in cyberattacks

90 Nigeria===National Information Technology Development Agency plans to introduce cybersecurity framework Nigeria

80 Check Point published Global Threat Intelligence report

30 Qilin (ransomware group) led global ransomware activity

Entities Involved

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Nigeria

Nigeria has become the most targeted country in Africa for cyberattacks, with an average of 4,701 attacks weekly per organization in January 2026. This surge in cyber threats poses significant challenges to its digital transformation and economic stability, prompting the government to plan a new cybersecurity framework.

Importance 100 Sentiment -40

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Check Point

Check Point, through its Check Point Research division, published the Global Threat Intelligence report highlighting the increase in cyberattacks, particularly in Nigeria. This positions Check Point as a key authority in cybersecurity insights and solutions.

Importance 80 Sentiment 20

govactor

Nigeria===National Information Technology Development Agency

The Nigeria===National Information Technology Development Agency is responsible for developing a comprehensive cybersecurity framework for Nigeria. This framework aims to address rising AI-driven cyber threats and mandate minimum cybersecurity spending for organizations.

Importance 60 Sentiment 10

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Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the Nigeria===National Information Technology Development Agency, revealed the government's plan to introduce a cybersecurity framework. His statements highlight the urgency and strategic direction of Nigeria's response to cyber threats.

Importance 50 Sentiment 10

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Angola

Angola recorded the second-highest number of cyberattacks in Africa, with 4,512 incidents per organization per week, though this represents a 7% year-on-year decline. This indicates a significant but slightly improving cybersecurity landscape compared to Nigeria.

Importance 40 Sentiment -10

cnt

South Africa

South Africa faced 2,145 weekly cyberattacks, marking a 36% year-on-year increase. This indicates a worsening cybersecurity situation, similar to Nigeria, though with a lower volume of attacks.

Importance 40 Sentiment -20

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Kenya

Kenya experienced 2,172 weekly cyberattacks, a 41% year-on-year decline, suggesting an improvement in its cybersecurity posture relative to other African nations.

Importance 30 Sentiment 10

+ 4 more entities View on Dashboard

Relationships

Nigeria related ↔ Nigeria===National Information Technology Development Agency

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi related ↔ Nigeria===National Information Technology Development Agency

Nigeria related ↔ Check Point

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