Airtel Nigeria Flags Over 9.6 Million Spam Messages with AI-Powered Detection System

In a major stride towards enhancing digital safety, Airtel Nigeria has revealed that its AI-powered Spam Alert Service flagged over 9.6 million spam SMS messages between March 13 and May 20, 2025.

The initiative, aimed at protecting customers from fraudulent and unsolicited messages, marks a significant step in the fight against smishing and other forms of mobile fraud.

According to a statement by the telecom giant, a total of 9,667,008 spam messages were intercepted within the first two months of deploying the intelligent filtering system. Of these, 528,080 originated from on-net numbers (within Airtel’s network), while a staggering 9,138,928 were traced to off-net sources, highlighting the broader threat posed by external networks.

AI-Powered Spam Filter Enhances Mobile Security

The Spam Alert System, launched in March 2025, leverages advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to identify and block potential scam messages in real-time. The system adapts and evolves based on data patterns, improving its detection capabilities as threats become more sophisticated.

“At Airtel Nigeria, we are committed to securing our customers and fostering trust in digital communication. Our investment in intelligent technology ensures we stay ahead of cybercriminals and provide Nigerians with a smarter, safer network experience,” said a company representative.

The Growing Threat of SMS Fraud in Nigeria

In today’s digital era, SMS-based fraud — or smishing — has become a growing concern. Fraudsters impersonate service providers or send deceptive promotional messages to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information or clicking harmful links.

Data from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) reveals that Nigerian financial institutions lost N52.26 billion to fraud in 2024, up sharply from N17.67 billion in 2023. Despite a 31% drop in reported fraud cases, financial losses have surged — underscoring the evolving nature of cybercrime.

Airtel Nigeria’s AI-driven spam detection system is a timely and proactive response to this growing threat, reaffirming the company’s leadership in network security, digital innovation, and customer-centric solutions.