CSOs, Journalists ‘Under Digital Siege’, Group Warns

Civil society organisations and journalists in Nigeria are facing a growing wave of digital threats, with many still dangerously exposed as online attacks become more sophisticated, advocacy group Spaces for Change (S4C) has warned.

The organisation issued the alert during a two-day Digital Security Clinic in Port Harcourt, where more than 40 participants were trained on tools and practices for safeguarding their work and personal data in an increasingly hostile digital landscape.

Michael Itegbe, S4C’s technology officer, said activists and media professionals are now more vulnerable to surveillance, data breaches and tech-driven attacks, even as many continue to rely on outdated protection methods.

He noted that the rapid shift of civic engagement to online platforms has created loopholes that malicious actors are exploiting.

The clinic featured sessions on data protection, digital rights, cyber security, advocacy tools and tech-facilitated gender-based violence.

Itegbe said journalists and activists are frequently tracked, profiled or targeted without their knowledge.

The training, he added, provided practical guidance on spotting phishing attempts, malware and other risks.

He expressed hope that participants would apply the lessons to reinforce their digital defences and carry out their work more safely.

Participants Call the Training ‘Timely’

Rights groups praised the initiative, saying it comes at a time when organisations increasingly contend with harassment, misinformation and privacy violations online.

Cynthia Okereke, programme manager at Together to Win Foundation for the Deprived, said the workshop broadened her understanding of digital human rights and cybercrime.

She recounted a recent community sensitisation meeting where her image was secretly recorded and disseminated online without consent an incident she said underscored the need for stronger public awareness about data protection.

“Before now, I only had a basic idea of data protection,” she said. “This training showed me what it truly means in practice. I will now have to teach the communities we work with that taking or sharing people’s photos or videos without their consent is unlawful.”

She added that learning how to document and report digital violations would enhance her work with survivors of gender-based violence.

Tombari Dumka-Kote, chief operating officer at the Centre for Justice, Empowerment and Development, said the clinic offered critical guidance as CSOs navigate misinformation, cybercrime and increasing regulatory pressure on online speech. With many organisations relying heavily on social media platforms, he said, data security has become indispensable.

“With the increase in fake information, cybercrime and even clampdowns in the name of hate speech, this clinic was necessary,” he said, adding that he plans to cascade the training to staff within his organisation.

Spaces for Change said the Digital Security Clinic forms part of its broader effort to strengthen digital resilience across Nigeria’s civic space as online risks continue to evolve.