A fresh alleged data breach has surfaced in Nigeria’s financial sector, with Fast Credit Finance Company Limited reportedly targeted by cybercriminals. The lending firm, licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, was flagged in claims circulating on April 25, 2026, via threat intelligence accounts on X. According to the posts, a hacker identified as “iProfessor” allegedly accessed and is attempting to sell a massive trove of customer data, though the breach remains unverified.
The suspected leak is said to include nearly 870GB of data spanning over 939,000 records. Reportedly exposed information ranges from personal identification details and government-issued IDs to bank statements, loan records, and customer correspondence. Particularly concerning is the claim that some of the affected data belongs to Nigerian police officers and law enforcement personnel, raising fears of potential blackmail, identity theft, and threats to ongoing investigations. Despite screenshots circulating online, authorities have yet to confirm the authenticity of the breach.
As of April 26, neither Fast Credit nor regulators such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission have issued an official statement. However, the incident adds to a growing list of cyberattack claims affecting major institutions in 2026, including the Corporate Affairs Commission, Sterling Bank, and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. These repeated incidents are intensifying concerns about the resilience of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
Regulators are already stepping up oversight. The NDPC has launched investigations into several breaches and is urging organisations to tighten their cybersecurity frameworks. Measures such as multi-factor authentication, regular system updates, data encryption, and vulnerability testing have been strongly recommended. According to the commission, weak security systems not only expose institutions to attacks but also put millions of Nigerians at risk of privacy violations and financial losses.
If confirmed, the Fast Credit breach could have far-reaching consequences, from widespread fraud to compromised national security interests. Experts warn that Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy is becoming an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals. With critical systems, including those linked to elections and public services, potentially at risk, stakeholders are calling for urgent action. For now, the alleged breach serves as another stark reminder that safeguarding data must remain a top priority for both organisations and individuals.
source: business day
