Telecom
MTN Alerts Subscribers to new SIM Swap Fraud Trick
MTN Nigeria, has warned its customers to beware of a form of deception that is being perpetrated by individual’s intent on duping unsuspecting telephone subscribers.
According to MTN, the deception, which has been noticed in jurisdictions outside Nigeria, is similar to ‘phishing’ and its sole aim is to mislead telephone subscribers into divulging personal information that could later be used to defraud them.
In the latest incidents, the individuals behind the deception initiate calls to telephone subscribers, purporting to be staff of a telecom service provider and request sensitive personal information from the telephone subscribers.
Unsuspecting subscribers who willingly provide information will subsequently become victims of illegal SIM swaps, paving the way for online banking fraud and international calling theft.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, MTN is always on its toes. We are obliged to alert our customers of all the possible ways in which their personal or financial security can be compromised by unscrupulous elements, through the fraudulent use of our platform,” said, Akinwale Goodluck, Corporate Services executive, MTN Nigeria.
Goodluck said while it is not unusual for some customers to occasionally receive calls from MTN Customer Care, to verify information on SIM registration, he stressed that such calls would only be made from one dedicated number.
“That number is 180. Anything short of that is suspect, and customers should be careful. Also, we will never call, send emails or text messages asking anyone to divulge sensitive security information such as their MTN Security Number, bank details or ATM PINs.”
He urged customers to utilize their unique MTN Security Number which he said was designed to prevent identity theft and further safeguard the confidentiality of all MTN customers.
“The security number comprises a 12-digit Customer Identification Number as well as a four-digit Security Key, all of which are totally unique and personal to each customer. These numbers were dispatched to customers via SMS. Customers who did not receive theirs or those who don’t remember theirs are advised to visit any of the MTN Walk-in Centers.”
Goodluck advised customers to keep their security numbers secret and never divulge them to anyone.
“Because beyond securing customers’ confidentiality, the MTN Security Number also enables customers on the MTN network to resolve by themselves, basic issues they may have with their MTN lines. Customers may do so by calling the MTN Customer Care line – 180 or through the internet at mtnonline.com.”
Airtel Nigeria launches a new Smartphone Financing Programme to aggressively bridge the digital divide. The innovation provides existing Airtel customers with a flexible and convenient payment plan to own 4G smartphones and drive wider digital inclusion.
Through this innovation, Airtel will finance new smartphones via its exclusive retail network, helping customers currently using 2G and 3G devices upgrade seamlessly to 4G connectivity. The programme will kick off with the Itel A50 smartphone, a reliable, high-performing device designed to deliver a superior mobile experience for customers across Nigeria.
Speaking on the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, said the initiative reflects Airtel’s deep commitment to empowering Nigerians with all they need to thrive in a connected world.
He said, “Connectivity is opportunity, and smartphones are the key that unlocks it. Through the Airtel Smartphone Financing Programme, we are enabling more Nigerians to access 4G technologies, experience the full benefits of digital inclusion without financial strain, and transform the way they learn, work, and live. This initiative goes beyond providing devices; it is about empowerment, progress, and building a truly connected future.”
To be eligible, customers must be Airtel subscribers and are advised to check their financing status by dialling *492# USSD code. Once approved, the final onboarding is completed at any Airtel-owned shop. Upon making the initial down payment of ₦19,000 or ₦21,000, customers will receive their smartphone and immediately gain access to fast 4G internet.
All payments, including the down payment and subsequent weekly instalments, will be made exclusively through SmartCash, Airtel’s secure mobile money subsidiary.
Also speaking on the innovation, Ismail Adeshina, Director of Marketing, emphasised the role of partnerships and technology in driving the initiative.
“Our mission is to democratise access to technology by removing financial barriers. With this programme, customers can now afford quality smartphones without the burden of full upfront payment. By leveraging SmartCash and intelligent scoring systems, we are creating a sustainable model for inclusive digital growth,” Adeshina added.
To qualify, customers must be active on the Airtel network for at least three months, have a registered SmartCash account, a valid form of identification such as NIN, Voter’s Card, or Driver’s Licence, and provide consent for data processing by Intelligra for eligibility verification.
The Airtel Smartphone Financing Programme aligns with Airtel Nigeria’s broader goal of advancing financial inclusion, digital empowerment, and innovation across the country.
Six students have qualified for the grand finale of the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee following a keenly contested regional final held in Abuja.
The finalists — Samuel Babalola, Ojoma Gabriel Sylver, Favour Shuwa, Henry Elebiga Goodness, Levi Kelechi Ebisike, and Mary Chukwudi — will represent the North-Central, North-East, and North-West zones at the national competition scheduled to hold in Lagos.
The event, which drew participation from schools across the region, showcased the linguistic abilities of young Nigerians. The winners were selected based on their accurate spelling of complex vocabulary.
Temilolu Salako, Senior Manager, Segment Marketing (Youth, Women & Teen) at MTN Nigeria, said the company remains committed to empowering young people through education and technology.
“At MTN, we believe in the power of connectivity and technology to transform lives and build a brighter future,” Salako said.
One of the finalists, Mary Chukwudi, expressed excitement over her qualification, saying she had declared her intention to win before the competition began.
“I’m so happy. I’m proud of myself and can’t wait to go to Lagos for the grand finale,” she said.
The overall winner of the national competition will receive a ₦5 million educational grant, a laptop, a smartphone, and the opportunity to serve as MTN CEO for one day.
In addition, the champion’s school will benefit from a ₦10 million flagship project, including a modern ICT laboratory.
The MTN mPulse Spelling Bee is part of the company’s youth development initiative aimed at promoting academic excellence and leadership among Nigerian students.
The 14th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) concluded in Lagos with a dazzling Globe Awards ceremony that celebrated African cinematic excellence and honoured the continent’s digital transformation.
Held at the Landmark Centre, the event drew top government officials, industry leaders, and Nollywood stars, underscoring the growing synergy between Nigeria’s creative economy and national development.
The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, represented Vice President Kashim Shettima at the ceremony.
In a symbolic moment, she received the newly instituted Herbert Wigwe Award for Excellence on behalf of the Vice President.
The award, named after the late business magnate and philanthropist, was also presented to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, accepted by his deputy, Monday Onyeme. International actor and filmmaker David Oyelowo was among the celebrated honourees.
A tribute film commemorating Wigwe’s legacy was screened, drawing emotional responses from attendees and reinforcing the festival’s commitment to honouring visionary leadership.
MTN Nigeria’s Chief Digital Officer, A’isha Umar Mumuni, in her opening remarks, described the event as a beacon of Africa’s cultural and digital renaissance. “Tonight, as we stand together, we celebrate the beauty of a bold new digital world,” she said.
The red carpet featured Nollywood luminaries including Ini Edo, Rita Dominic, Omowunmi Dada, Osas Ighodaro, and Kunle Remi, whose fashion statements lit up social media. Comedian and actor Bovi hosted the evening, balancing glamour with heartfelt tributes and technical awards.
The ceremony concluded with a high-energy performance by music star Flavour, blending film and music in a celebration of Africa’s cultural vibrancy.
Airtel Nigeria Unveils Smartphone Financing for New Devices
SEC Partners FMBN Partner on Non-Interest Mortgage Framework
Banks Lost N3.3Bn to Fraud in Q1 of 2025 – FITC
Lagos Launches Centralised Mental Health Providers Directory
Kaspersky Introduces Cyber Pathways to Support Career Development in Cybersecurity
Telecom2 days agoTecom, Huawei to Champion Smart Connectivity and Digital Innovation in Abuja
E-Business2 days agoNITDA DG Tasks Youths to Drive Africa’s Digital Transformation
Telecom2 days agoGirls Slug it Out for N5m Prize in Glo Innov8 STEM Finale
News2 days agoIHS Holding Chairman, Sam Darwish Credits Nigeria for Strong Q3’25 Earnings
E-Business2 days agoAfrica Trade Engine Launches to Boost Intra-Continental Trade, Industrialisation
Telecom2 days agoGroup Opens Call for Session Proposals for the 2026 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum
Telecom2 days agoAfrica’s TikTok Trailblazers Take the Spotlight at 2025 Awards Ceremony
News1 day agoFirm Urges Organizations to Check Protection of their Websites Amid Search Engine Optimisation Attack Schemes