President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the state-of-the-art and fully digitalized National Cybercrime Centre, aiming to bolster the efficiency and capability of law enforcement agencies across Nigeria. The President, represented by the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the Nigeria Police Force through substantial investments in arms, equipment, and personnel training.
Dr. Tijani highlighted the government’s dedication to combating all forms of criminality, particularly cybercrimes, which have become increasingly prevalent. He stated, “This administration remains resolute in the fight against all forms of criminality. As emerging and rapidly evolving categories of offenses, cybercrimes represent a new frontier in our battle against criminal elements. We are witnessing a rise in threats posed by cybercriminals, online financial fraudsters, and cyber terrorists who exploit the internet to coordinate and execute destabilizing activities.”
The Minister noted that the advent of new technologies, such as 5G, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have expanded the scope and diversity of cyberspace threats. In response, the federal government has undertaken several significant policy initiatives, including a review of the national cybercrime plan, to address the multifaceted challenges posed by cybercriminals.
In his remarks, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, represented by Mr. Ibrahim Muhammad, Director of the Police Services Department, acknowledged the significant threat that cybercrimes pose, particularly among the youth. He praised the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive efforts in establishing the Cybercrime Centre, recognizing it as a vital step in combating this growing menace.
Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, described the new facility as a pivotal development in modern policing, not just in Nigeria but across sub-Saharan Africa. “The NPF National Cybercrime Centre represents our commitment to leveraging technology, innovation, and partnerships to tackle the rising tide of cybercrimes and related offenses,” he said. “This centre will serve as a nerve center for revolutionizing our policing efforts, utilizing cutting-edge tools and expertise to protect, investigate, and combat cyber threats.”
