Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, announced on August 3, 2025, plans to shut down seven million accounts linked to scammers, targeting fraudsters exploiting Nigeria’s 140 million WhatsApp users.
The crackdown, driven by AI-powered detection, follows a 40% surge in cyberfraud reports, with ₦500 billion lost annually to scams in Nigeria. Meta’s initiative, launched after collaboration with the EFCC, aims to curb phishing, Ponzi schemes, and identity theft, which account for 60% of Nigeria’s cybercrimes.
The operation identifies accounts using automated spam patterns and fake profiles, with 70% originating from Nigeria, India, and Pakistan. WhatsApp’s 2024 security update blocked 10 million suspicious messages monthly, but scammers, leveraging Nigeria’s 90% mobile penetration, continue targeting vulnerable users. The EFCC reported 15,000 fraud cases in 2024, with 30% tied to WhatsApp scams promising fake investments. Meta’s new algorithm, detecting 95% of fraudulent accounts, will suspend them by September 2025, with appeals available for legitimate users.
Critics argue Meta’s reactive approach fails to address root causes, with 25% of Nigeria’s unemployed youth drawn to cybercrime due to 20% unemployment. The Nigerian Communications Commission urged stronger user education, noting only 10% of users recognize phishing. Meta’s $1 billion investment in African cybersecurity, including 50,000 trained moderators, aims to restore trust. Nigeria’s digital economy, contributing 10% to GDP, faces a $2 billion fraud risk, with 80% of businesses affected.
The deactivation, affecting 5% of WhatsApp’s global 2 billion users, could disrupt legitimate communication, but Meta insists 90% accuracy in targeting. The move aligns with global efforts, like India’s 2024 ban of 2 million accounts, and follows Nigeria’s $500 million cybercrime losses in 2023. As WhatsApp remains Nigeria’s top messaging platform, the crackdown tests Meta’s balance between security and user access.
