Interpol’s Operation Serengeti 2.0: A Wake-Up Call for Africa
- Oludare Ogunlana
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
Interpol has completed Operation Serengeti 2.0, a massive cybercrime crackdown across Africa. The operation exposed how criminal groups exploit weak networks to run scams, ransomware, and business email compromises. More than 1,200 arrests were made. Over 11,000 malicious infrastructures were taken down. Nearly $100 million in stolen funds were recovered. This shows both the scale of cybercrime and the urgent need for stronger defenses.
The Rising Threat Across Africa
Cybercrime in Africa is growing fast. Criminals use fake websites, phishing, and malware to steal money and data. They target banks, schools, governments, and small businesses. Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa remain hotspots because of their large economies and digital adoption. Operation Serengeti 2.0 proves that no country is safe.
Hackers move quickly, exploiting gaps in weak systems. They do not work alone but in organized groups. These groups hide behind global networks, making it hard for local law enforcement to respond. This is why global cooperation, like Interpol’s effort, is critical.
Why This Matters for Businesses
The damage from cybercrime is not only financial. Breaches ruin trust and harm reputations. A single ransomware attack can shut down operations for weeks. Business email compromise can drain millions in minutes. For small and mid-sized firms, recovery is even harder.
This operation should serve as a warning. Every business, from retail to logistics, must invest in proactive security. Waiting until after an incident is too late.
How OSRS Can Help
At ÒGÚN Security Research and Strategic Consulting LLC (OSRS), we work with clients to stay ahead of threats. We help organizations strengthen defenses and prepare for attacks before they happen. Our services include:
Regulatory Compliance & Legal Advisory to guide firms through data protection laws and global standards.
Training & Certification Programs to build staff awareness and technical skills.
Strategic Intelligence & Security Research to provide insights on emerging threats and adversary tactics.
Digital & Cyber Investigations to uncover hidden attacks and trace digital footprints.
Corporate & Financial Investigations to protect assets and detect fraud.
Cybersecurity Consulting & Advisory to design strategies tailored to unique business needs.
Our goal is simple: to keep businesses safe, resilient, and compliant in a hostile cyber landscape.
Key Takeaway
Interpol’s Operation Serengeti 2.0 is proof that global cybercrime is on the rise and Africa is a prime target. The arrests and seizures are a victory, but they also highlight the vulnerabilities across the continent. For businesses, the lesson is clear. Build strong defenses now or risk becoming the next victim.
OSRS stands ready to partner with organizations to secure their future. Together, we can fight back against cybercrime and protect Africa’s digital growth.
About the Author
Dr. Oludare Ogunlana is a cybersecurity professor, strategist, and founder of ÒGÚN Security Research and Strategic Consulting LLC. With over 15 years of expertise, he leads efforts in cyber defense, AI governance, and global security consulting.
Comments