Nigeria Commits to Strengthening Police Against Rising Cyber Threats

President Bola Tinubu has committed to strengthening the Nigeria Police Force by providing them with enhanced weaponry, training, and personnel to effectively combat crime, particularly in light of the increasing challenges posed by cybercriminals and online threats.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) and Resource Centre in Abuja, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized the critical importance of fortifying national security through comprehensive police reforms.

Tinubu highlighted the growing menace of cyber criminals, online fraudsters, and cyber terrorists who exploit the internet to coordinate and carry out disruptive activities. He noted that technological advancements, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of 5G technology, have expanded the scope and complexity of cyber threats faced by Nigeria.

The President underscored the significant increase in social media usage since 2020 for spreading subversive messages and inciting violence. This trend has prompted the Federal Government to revise its National Cybercrime strategies to effectively counter these evolving threats.

President Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s cyberspace, enhancing social security, and fostering a safe environment conducive to foreign investment. He urged the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, to fully leverage the capabilities of the newly inaugurated NPF-NCCC to safeguard the nation’s online activities and bolster national development.
“It is my hope that this centre will complement the efforts of the Office of the National Security Adviser in protecting the country’s critical infrastructures by enhancing the monitoring and screening of online activities,” Tinubu stated. He stressed that addressing the complex security landscape requires a unified approach among stakeholders within the security architecture, advocating for the eradication of interagency rivalries.

In his remarks, Inspector-General Egbetokun described the inauguration of the centre as a landmark event that will revolutionize policing in Nigeria, particularly in combating cyber threats. He highlighted the NPF-NCCC as a pivotal initiative demonstrating the Nigerian police force’s commitment to harnessing technology, innovation, and collaboration in addressing the escalating challenges posed by cybercrimes.

Egbetokun emphasized that the centre represents a new frontier where law enforcement personnel will utilize advanced forensic tools, expertise, and strategic partnerships to detect, investigate, and combat various forms of cybercrimes across the country. He reiterated the importance of proactive measures to safeguard Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and protect citizens from cyber threats.

President Tinubu and Inspector-General Egbetokun’s remarks underscored the critical need for continuous adaptation and enhancement of Nigeria’s cybersecurity framework to mitigate risks and ensure a secure digital environment. They highlighted the imperative of collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment in cybersecurity to safeguard national interests and promote economic growth in Nigeria.