Combating cybercrime requires collective effort - NPF
By Olakunle Oke
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC) has declared that the war against cybercrime requires a collective national effort.
This is as the NPF-NCCC hosted a one-day Cybercrime Awareness Campaign in Abuja. The initiative aimed to promote digital literacy, responsible online behaviour, and public resilience against cyber threats.
Established as a specialised unit under the Nigeria Police Force, the NPF–NCCC is tasked with tackling cyber-enabled crimes such as online fraud, identity theft, financial scams, and cyberbullying. The centre collaborates with key institutions including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to boost Nigeria’s capacity in cybercrime prevention, investigation, and digital forensics.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Sunday, the Police described the event as a “significant stride in educating Nigerians on online safety, promoting secure digital practices, and strengthening the nation’s collective defense against cyber threats.”
Speaking at the event, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), DIG Sadiq Abubakar, reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to ensuring a safe digital environment for Nigerians.
In his welcome address, the Director of the NPF–NCCC, CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, commended partners and stakeholders for their continued cooperation in advancing national cybersecurity goals. He stressed that combating cybercrime requires a collective national effort, noting that every Nigerian must act as a guardian of their own cybersecurity.
“Today’s digital era demands that all Nigerians are not just users but also guardians of their own cybersecurity,” Henry stated. He further highlighted the need for sustained public education and technological investment to secure the nation’s digital space.
“This campaign is part of our mandate to make citizens more aware and resilient to online threats. We will continue to build on this foundation by scaling up cyber education, enhancing reporting mechanisms, and strengthening our enforcement capacity,” he added.
According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country loses billions of naira annually to cybercrimes such as phishing, ransomware, and financial fraud targeting individuals and organisations.
In response, the NPF–NCCC has rolled out several initiatives to boost digital resilience nationwide, including public sensitisation campaigns, inter-agency collaborations, and the training of cyber investigators across state commands.