A civil society group known as the Centre for Cohesion and Development (CCD) has paid glowing tributes to Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, for his relentless efforts and those of his officers in fighting cybercrime and keeping Nigerians safe and secure online.
During a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja on Wednesday, 29th May, the group acknowledged the challenges of combating cybercrime and the extensive efforts and resources the Nigerian Police have invested in this battle.
In his remarks during the visit, the Lead Convener of the Centre for Cohesion and Development (CCD), Dr. Uche Igwe, said:
“We are here to thank you for the good work you are doing for Nigerians to help us fight the menace of cybercrime. Cyber attacks have been on the rise since 2020. It is one of the most pressing challenges plaguing economic activity in Nigeria, leading to significant losses. Available data has put the losses at 500 million US dollars per annum, but we know it is far more than that.
“Nigeria is now ranked 5th among the countries afflicted by cybercrime. This is sad as it implies a negative perception for anyone carrying a Nigerian passport anywhere in the world. It is a complex and often transboundary crime, and we know you are doing a lot behind the scenes.
“The Nigerian Police, through this office, has continued to ensure that all of us are protected from cyber attacks, and when they happen, the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted according to the law. We are here to partner with you because you are doing very well.”
Speaking further, CCD’s North East representative, Dr. Ibrahim Lawal, praised the Director of the Cybercrime Centre, CP Henry Ifeanyi Uche, who represented the Inspector General of Police, for leading from the front. He acknowledged the role of public enlightenment efforts of his office in helping the public understand the various tactics deployed by these cybercriminals, thereby helping to avoid falling victim.
Dr. Lawal affirmed that CCD will help mobilise civil society groups and citizens across the country to partner with the efforts of the police and disseminate information, education, and communication (IEC) materials.
The Centre for Cohesion and Development (CCD) will be organising the Abuja Dialogue on Cybersecurity for stakeholders in August as part of the preparatory meetings for the Africa Cyber Defence Forum scheduled to be held in Kigali, Rwanda, in October.
During the courtesy visit, the group further called on citizens to support the government’s efforts to implement the Nigeria Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2024 as amended, as this will benefit all.
The Director of the NPF National Cybercrime Centre, who represented the Inspector General of Police, expressed his gratitude to the team and assured them that the Nigerian Police would continue to do their best in fighting cybercrime. He confirmed that the Police would be participating in the forthcoming Abuja Dialogue as the objectives are consistent with government efforts to eliminate cybercrime and punish perpetrators according to the law.
