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AI-powered cyber threats put healthcare systems at risk

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Healthcare systems worldwide are facing a surge in cyberattacks supercharged by artificial intelligence, a new report has revealed.

According to data from the report, Nigeria’s private healthcare sector is now one of the most targeted on the African continent, with attacks increasing at an alarming rate.

As reported by The Papers, an online news platform on Wednesday, Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a multinational cybersecurity firm, released a data-rich report highlighting these regional trends and their impact ahead of World Patient Safety Day 2025.

According to the report, the Country Manager for West Africa at Check Point Software Technologies, Kingsley Oseghale, said, “On World Patient Safety Day 2025, the focus must extend beyond clinical errors to the hidden risks of cyberattacks on healthcare.

“Healthcare in Nigeria is under increasing pressure from sophisticated cyber threats. These attacks no longer simply steal data; they disrupt surgeries, force emergency diversions, and alter patient treatment plans, putting lives at risk.”

According to the World Health Organisation, World Patient Safety Day 2025, themed “Safe care for every newborn and every child,” highlights the unique risks children face in healthcare.

The initiative calls for urgent global action to eliminate preventable harm in paediatric and newborn care by mobilising governments, healthcare providers, and communities to implement sustainable safety strategies.

In similar research, according to an April 2025 report by Itedgenews, Nigerian healthcare organisations suffered an average of 4,388 cyberattacks per week in 2025, a 47% year-on-year jump. Angola recorded 4,727 weekly attacks (+32%), Kenya 4,004 (+14%), while South Africa experienced the sharpest rise, with weekly attacks up 69% to 1,884.

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“This surge stems from rapid digitisation, mixed legacy systems, and a shortage of cyber security staff, creating a perfect storm for attackers seeking high-value patient data and disruption leverage,” Oseghale added.

AI has become both a weapon and a shield in this battle. Criminals use AI to generate realistic phishing scams, deepfake impersonations, and advanced malware, making intrusions faster and harder to detect.

The threat also extends to connected medical devices like infusion pumps and smart monitors, which expand the attack surface and heighten risks of direct patient harm. Medical identity theft adds another layer of danger, draining trust and burdening healthcare providers with costly remediation.

Experts stress that protecting patients now requires cybersecurity to be integrated into overall care quality. Key measures include regular staff training, zero-trust policies, comprehensive asset visibility, prevention-first AI security, and consolidated protection platforms.

“Cybersecurity in healthcare is no longer just about protecting data; it’s about protecting lives. As connected devices, AI-driven apps, and vast patient datasets converge, the attack surface for harm grows exponentially.

“By embedding prevention-first, AI-powered security into every layer, from device design to app governance to data protection, we can ensure that innovation in healthcare translates into safer, more resilient care for every patient,” Oseghale stated.”

As Nigeria and other African nations digitise their healthcare systems, the rise in AI-driven cyberattacks serves as a warning that more efforts are needed to safeguard the most vulnerable, newborns and children, and demands that cybersecurity be treated as an essential pillar of safe care.

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Ramadan: Adamawa gov relaxes night-time restriction on tricycles

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The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has approved a review of the existing restriction on the operations of commercial tricycles, known as Keke NAPEP, in parts of the state for the 2026 Ramadan period.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, on Friday.

The statement said the restriction, which previously ran from 10pm to 5am would now commence an hour later.

“Under the revised directive, the restriction which previously ran from 10pm to 5am will now commence from 11p to 5am daily throughout the 2026 Ramadan period.

“The review takes immediate effect,” the statement read.

The government explained that the adjustment was introduced to ease movement for Muslim faithful during the holy month.

“The adjustment is intended to allow Muslim faithful attend late-night tafsir sessions with ease during the holy month,” it added.

The statement recalled that the Adamawa State Government had, in February 2021, imposed restrictions on the movement of tricycles and motorcycles through the Adamawa State Restriction of Movement of Tricycles/Motorcycles Executive Order No. 1 of 2021, as part of measures to strengthen public safety and security.

It noted that the latest review reflects the administration’s effort to balance religious observance with security considerations.

“The present review is therefore informed by the Government’s commitment to supporting religious observance, while maintaining the gains recorded in peace and security across the state,” the statement said.

Fintiri also directed security agencies to intensify patrols across the affected local government areas.

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“Governor Fintiri has accordingly directed security agencies to intensify patrols, particularly within Yola North, Yola South and Girei, through the deployment of additional personnel to safeguard lives and property.

“He warned that any breach of the law will be dealt with decisively,” the statement added.

The governor further appealed to residents to act responsibly and avoid actions that could undermine the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the state.

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DSS to arraign El-Rufai Feb 25 over alleged cybercrime, security breach

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The Department of State Services (DSS) will on February 25 arraign former Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on alleged cybercrime and breach of national security

LIB had earlier reported that the DSS on Monday, February 16, filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai following his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

According to the court papers, El-Rufai was alleged to have, on Feb. 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, “admitted during the interview that he and his cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, Mr Ribadu.”

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

In count two, the ex-governor was alleged to have, on February 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, stated during the interview that he knew and related with a certain individual who unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, without reporting the said individual to relevant security agencies.

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Count three alleged that El-Rufai and others still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety and national security and instilled reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s phone communications.

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The DSS said the ex-governor by his own comment during the live interview committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131(2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.”

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Mob besieges Benin FRSC office

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The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Malam Shehu Mohammed, has praised the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force for their swift and decisive response during the recent attack on the Benin Toll Gate Unit Command Office.

The attack occurred on Thursday at the RS5.12 Benin Toll Gate Unit on the Benin–Lagos Expressway, following a crash involving two trucks, the statement said.

One truck driver died in the accident, while FRSC personnel sustained critical injuries, with one officer later succumbing despite urgent medical attention.

“In the aftermath of the crash, an angry mob besieged and vandalised the Unit Command formation. However, the prompt response by security agencies helped to restore order and prevent further escalation,” Mohammed said in a statement issued on Friday by the FRSC spokesman, Olusegun Ogungbemide, in Abuja.

The Corps Marshal condemned the attack on FRSC personnel and facilities as “deeply regrettable and unacceptable,” emphasising that the operatives were on lawful duty to save lives.

He also commiserated with the families of the deceased driver, the fallen officer, and the entire FRSC workforce.

Mohammed has ordered a comprehensive investigation into both the immediate and underlying causes of the crash and the circumstances that led to the mob action.

He assured the public that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

The FRSC boss reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians and called on the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of its activities.

(NAN)

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