The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cautioned Nigerian girls against falling victim to sextortion and participating in cybercrime, urging them to protect their integrity and pursue legitimate means of earning a living.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede gave the warning on Monday, October 12, 2026, in Abuja during an event organised by the African Girl Guild to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “Invest in Her, Empower Her, and Let Her Lead.”
Olukoyede, who was represented by Aisha Muhammed, an Assistant Commander of the EFCC and head of its Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit, said sextortion was becoming a growing concern, with criminals exploiting vulnerable situations to blackmail victims and demand money.
He urged girls to exercise caution in their relationships and avoid falling into the hands of individuals who use private information or intimate material to threaten and extort others.
The EFCC chairman also warned young women against allowing themselves to be used as account mules for internet fraudsters or engaging in online blackmail, stressing that cybercrime carries consequences beyond individual victims.
He said involvement in such activities could damage Nigeria’s international reputation and undermine the future opportunities available to young people.
Olukoyede encouraged girls to become responsible citizens by reporting wrongdoing, respecting the law, volunteering and participating positively in national development.
He also urged them to develop practical skills that could provide legitimate sources of income, identifying technology, tailoring, baking, content creation and coding as possible options.
The commission’s warning highlights the need for greater awareness of online exploitation and the risks associated with cybercrime, particularly among young people navigating relationships and financial pressures in the digital environment.