NITDA Confirms Google, LinkedIn and TikTok Deleted 28 Million Nigerian Accounts in Major Crackdown on Fraud and Harmful Content

Nigeria’s digital space is undergoing one of its biggest clean-ups ever after the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) revealed that major global platforms including Google, LinkedIn and TikTok have deleted more than 28 million Nigerian accounts linked to fraud, impersonation, misinformation and harmful activities.

The revelation, shared during NITDA’s recent briefing on national digital safety, highlights the scale of cyber-abuse and identity manipulation happening online, and the rapid steps global tech platforms are taking to restore trust in their ecosystems. According to NITDA, the mass deletion is part of a coordinated effort to create a safer internet, reduce online scams and protect legitimate users from impersonation.

This development aligns with broader global actions by tech companies who are increasingly investing in AI-driven detection tools, automation and improved reporting systems to curb misuse. According to TechBooky, many of these deleted accounts were discovered through advanced pattern-tracking systems designed to identify suspicious behaviors such as fake engagements, bot-activity and fraudulent adverts targeting vulnerable online users.

NITDA emphasized that the sweeping crackdown is not unique to Nigeria, but the country’s high rate of digital adoption and mobile-first culture makes its internet space particularly active and vulnerable. The agency noted that Nigeria is among the top countries where scammers create cloned profiles, fake job offers, phishing pages and impersonation accounts to deceive people.

To reduce this threat, NITDA is working closely with international technology companies and local cybersecurity institutions to strengthen digital verification systems, promote online safety awareness and encourage responsible digital habits among citizens. The agency also reiterated that a safer online environment is critical for Nigeria’s digital economy strategy, especially as e-commerce, fintech, remote jobs and digital skills continue to rise.

Industry analysts believe that this mass deletion signals a shift towards higher accountability in the digital ecosystem. For creators, digital marketers, freelancers and online entrepreneurs, stricter verification and account-review processes may soon become a normal part of online operations. Although some users may worry about accidentally losing their accounts, NITDA clarified that only accounts tied to confirmed violations were removed.

The crackdown also underscores the growing importance of digital identity protection. Many Nigerians have fallen victim to impersonation scams where criminals use cloned social media profiles to request money, share misleading information, or push fraudulent investment schemes. With millions of fake accounts now wiped out, users may begin to experience a cleaner digital environment with fewer phishing attacks and deceptive messages.

Furthermore, the clean-up aligns with ongoing government efforts to strengthen digital governance and cybersecurity nationwide. According to The Guardian Nigeria, local regulators are pushing for stronger collaborations with global tech giants to ensure faster detection of online threats, better protection of citizens’ data, and improved transparency in how digital platforms operate in the country.

Experts say this move is an important step toward digital trust a factor that affects online business, remote work opportunities, social media operations, content creation and financial technology. With Nigeria aiming to become a global digital powerhouse, ensuring a secure and trustworthy online community is essential for innovation, investment and growth.

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For everyday users, the message is clear: digital responsibility matters. As tech platforms continue to tighten their policies, Nigerians are encouraged to secure their accounts with strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid suspicious links, and report harmful content immediately.

The mass deletion may seem drastic, but it marks a positive turning point for Nigeria’s internet landscape one that protects genuine users, promotes fairness, and strengthens the nation’s digital future.