The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Wednesday said internet-related crimes pose significant threats to national security.
Egbetokun disclosed this on Wednesday while declaring open the maiden Nigerian Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF NCCC) 2024 Cybersecurity Week with the theme “Secure Our World.”
Represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, DIG Bala Ciroma, the IGP said cybercrime is not a mere technical issue but a matter of national security that requires immediate attention.
He said that cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and employing advanced techniques to evade detection and target vulnerabilities in emerging technologies.
He said, “This gathering is a testament to our collective resolve and commitment to confronting cybercrime, which has become one of the most significant challenges of our time. It also highlights our shared determination to address this critical issue and work together toward a safer and more secure digital world.
“As we embrace the digital age, we must also confront the stark reality that cyber threats pose significant threats to our national security. Cybercriminals operate across borders, exploiting vulnerabilities in our systems and targeting individuals, businesses, and government institutions. These threats can disrupt critical infrastructure, compromise sensitive information, and undermine the very fabric of our society.”
The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abiodun Alabi, said that securing cyberspace is now inseparable from securing the physical world in an era dominated by the digital economy and technology.
He said that crime-fighting worldwide has shifted from reactive to proactive policing, preventing crimes before they occur, stating that cybercrime knows no borders and, therefore, presents a global challenge and demands international collaboration.
“As DIG FCID, I have witnessed the convergence of traditional and cybercrimes. Crimes like fraud, espionage, and terrorism now occur in cyberspace, with criminals exploiting the internet’s anonymity to expand their reach globally,” he said.
The Nigerian Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF NCCC), he said, is at the forefront of combating cybercrime, with experts skilled in digital forensics, data analysis, and cybersecurity. He added that their groundbreaking work has dismantled major cybercrime networks both domestically and internationally, securing sectors like banking, telecommunications, and critical national infrastructure.
In his goodwill message, the representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Nigeria, Danilo Campisi, said the Nigerian police force plays a crucial role in protecting the national and international cyber environment.
He said that the UN is ensuring that cybercrime does not impede development in Nigeria and elsewhere by exchanging knowledge, increasing capacity, and fortifying the legal framework. He noted that through creative, integrated, and tailored solutions, UNODC is dedicated to assisting UN member states in bolstering international responses to combat crimes that are dependent on or enabled by the internet.
In his address, the Director of the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), CP Uche Henry, said the digital age has brought with it incredible advancements, opportunities, and efficiencies, stating that 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, who is a seasoned criminal intelligence and forensic investigation specialist, noted that cybercrime knows no borders, and its impact can be felt across all sectors, from finance to healthcare, and from government to individuals.
