The National Information Technology Development Agency has warned Nigerians about the growing threat of sextortion, an online blackmail scheme in which perpetrators threaten to release victims’ intimate images or videos unless their demands are met.

The agency issued the warning on Friday through its Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team as part of activities marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Sextortion often begins on social media platforms, messaging apps, dating sites or online gaming platforms, the agency said.

NITDA also warned that criminals can use artificial intelligence to create convincing fake explicit images of victims, even when they do not have access to any genuine intimate images.

NITDA described sextortion as a form of online blackmail in which perpetrators threaten to distribute a victim’s intimate images or videos unless the victim pays money, sends additional images or meets other demands.

The agency cautioned that complying with a perpetrator’s demands does not necessarily end the threats, even after the criminal obtains or creates an intimate image.

Instead, perpetrators may continue to demand money or additional intimate images, exposing victims to emotional distress, reputational harm and financial losses.

NITDA noted that children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to sextortion, as fear and shame may discourage them from reporting the abuse to a trusted adult, allowing the perpetrators to continue their activities.

The agency advised Nigerians against sharing intimate images or videos online, including with people they know or trust, warning that it may not always be possible to verify the identity of the person behind an online account.