Spaces For Change Warns Of Rising Digital Threats Targeting Nigerian CSOs, Journalists

Spaces for Change has raised concern over the rising wave of digital threats facing civil society organisations and journalists in Nigeria, warning that many actors remain exposed as online attacks become more sophisticated.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the organisation gave the warning during a two-day Digital Security Clinic held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where more than 40 participants were trained on how to protect themselves and their data in an increasingly volatile digital environment.

Michael Itegbe, the organisation’s tech officer, said activists and journalists are now more vulnerable to surveillance, data breaches and technology-driven attacks, yet many still rely on outdated methods of self-protection. He noted that the rapid migration of civic engagement to digital platforms has left gaps that malicious actors are exploiting.

Sessions at the clinic covered data protection, digital rights, cyber security, digital tools for advocacy and tech-facilitated gender-based violence, among others. Itegbe said the training was necessary as more journalists and activists are being tracked and targeted online without realising it, adding that the clinic offered practical skills for identifying phishing attempts, malware and other cyber threats.

He expressed hope that participants would implement the lessons and strengthen their digital safeguards to carry out their work safely.

Participants described the training as timely, especially for organisations increasingly confronting harassment and privacy breaches in digital spaces.

Cynthia Okereke, Programme Manager at Together to Win Foundation for the Deprived, said the workshop deepened her understanding of digital human rights and cybercrime. She recalled a recent incident during a community sensitisation meeting where her image was secretly recorded and shared online without consent—an experience she said highlighted the urgency of data protection awareness.

“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 will strengthen 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 essential guidance as CSOs navigate misinformation, cybercrime and increasing regulatory pressure on online speech. He said most organisations depend heavily on social media platforms, making data security a priority.

“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 step down the training to staff within his organisation.

Spaces for Change said the initiative is part of its broader effort to build digital resilience within Nigeria’s civic sector as online risks continue to evolve.