Airtel Nigeria Uses AI to Flag 9.6 million Spam SMS Messages in Two Months
Leading telecommunications provider Airtel Nigeria has announced that its AI–powered Spam Alert Service has successfully identified and flagged over 9.6 million spam messages between March 13 and May 20, 2025. The initiative is part of the company’s broader commitment to digital safety and customer protection.
According to a statement released on Monday, the AI-driven system was deployed in March 2025 and has since flagged a total of 9,667,008 potential spam SMS messages, significantly curbing the spread of unwanted and fraudulent communications.
Spam Breakdown: On-Net vs Off-Net Threats
Out of the total flagged messages:
- 528,080 spam SMS originated from on-net numbers (within Airtel’s network)
- 9,138,928 spam messages came from off-net numbers (external networks)
This data highlights the larger spam threat from outside networks, emphasizing the need for cross-network collaboration in fighting cyber threats.
Protecting Customers with AI Technology
Airtel Nigeria emphasized that the Spam Alert Service is crucial for improving the user experience and digital safety of its millions of customers. The system uses machine learning algorithms to detect and evolve with emerging threat patterns.
“At Airtel Nigeria, we are focused on connecting Nigerians and ensuring their safety and confidence while using our network,” a company spokesperson stated.
“As threats become more sophisticated, so will our solutions. We are leading the industry in innovation and customer satisfaction to create a safer and smarter digital experience for every Nigerian.”
The Rising Threat of SMS Fraud (Smishing) in Nigeria
In Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, SMS fraud, also known as smishing, has become a growing concern. Scammers use deceptive SMS tactics to:
- Impersonate telecom operators
- Send fake promo messages
- Trick users into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links
This poses a serious risk to individuals and financial institutions alike.
Nigeria’s Fraud Landscape: Billions Lost to Cybercrime
According to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS):
- N52.26 billion was lost to financial fraud in 2024, a 350% increase from N11.61 billion in 2020
- Despite a 31% drop in the number of fraud cases (from 101,624 in 2020 to 70,111 in 2024), the financial damage has surged dramatically
This alarming trend underscores the importance of AI-driven digital security tools like Airtel’s Spam Alert Service in safeguarding mobile users.
