Nigeria Police Urges Improved Investigations, Tech Investment to Combat Cybercrimes

The Nigeria Police High Command has emphasised the need to enhance investigation capabilities and invest in advanced technologies to tackle cybercrimes within and beyond Nigeria.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stated this at the NPF-NCCC Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

IGP Egbetokun, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Finance and Administration, DIG Bala Chiroma, said, “Cybercrime is a serious threat that individuals and organisations need to be aware of, as criminals are becoming more sophisticated.”

On his part, the Director of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), CP Uche Ifeanyi, in his address, emphasised that in today’s interconnected world, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated.

“The digital age has brought with it incredible advancements, opportunities, and efficiencies. However, it has also introduced a new frontier of threats that, if not properly addressed, have the potential to cripple systems, disrupt services, and compromise the safety and privacy of our citizens.”

CP Uche explained that cybercrime knows no borders, and its impact can be felt across all sectors, from finance to healthcare, and from government to individuals.

The Director of the Cybercrime Centre said, “The awareness campaign, therefore, comes at a critical time. As cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication and scale, it is crucial that all stakeholders—government agencies, law enforcement, private sector partners, and individuals—come together to share knowledge, expertise, and strategies to counter these growing challenges. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that Nigeria remains resilient in the face of these threats and continues to foster a secure cyberspace for all its citizens.”

He added, “The Centre serves as a specialized body dedicated to combating cybercrime and enhancing the cyber resilience of the nation. Over the years, we have collaborated with various agencies, both locally and internationally, to build a robust framework for cybercrime investigation, digital forensics, and capacity building. Today’s event is a continuation of our ongoing efforts to create awareness, foster collaboration, and enhance cybersecurity capabilities across all sectors.”

CP Uche extended his deepest appreciation to all the cybersecurity experts, stating that their expertise is invaluable and their dedication to the field is commendable. “Your efforts and contributions have been instrumental in shaping the cybersecurity landscape, and the insights shared during this campaign will further strengthen our collective response to cyber threats.”

The Director of the Centre, CP Uche, also appreciated the representatives of the various government agencies present and elaborated that cybersecurity is not the sole responsibility of one organization; but a shared duty.

“Collaboration and support are essential to ensuring that our national cybersecurity strategy is comprehensive and effective. As we proceed with today’s campaign, I encourage us all to actively engage in the discussions, share our experiences, and explore new ways of addressing the ever-changing nature of cyber threats. Together, we can build a more secure digital environment and ensure that Nigeria is well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future.”

He finally reiterated the Centre’s commitment, as the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, to ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s digital space.

“We remain steadfast to combat cybercrime, protect citizens, and enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of the nation.”