President Bola Tinubu has committed to arming the Nigeria Police Force with more weapons, extensive training, and additional personnel. This announcement was made during the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) and the Nigeria Police Force Resource Centre in Abuja on Wednesday.
Represented by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, President Tinubu emphasized the government’s dedication to improving the effectiveness and readiness of the police force. “The building and inauguration of the NPF-NCCC are pivotal steps towards enhancing national security,” Tinubu stated, aligning with the broader objective of reforming the police force.
Nigeria faces increasing threats from cyber criminals, online fraudsters, and cyber terrorists, who exploit the internet for their harmful activities. The rise of new technologies, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the advent of 5G have expanded the range and complexity of cyber threats. “Since 2020, we’ve seen a surge in the use of social media to spread inflammatory messages and incite violence,” Tinubu noted.
In response, the Federal Government is revisiting its National Cybercrime strategies to address these diverse threats. The goal is to create a secure and prosperous cyberspace, fostering a thriving digital economy. This initiative is also seen as a step towards enhancing Nigeria’s appeal as a secure destination for foreign investment.
Tinubu urged the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun, to leverage the new facilities at the NPF-NCCC for protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace. “It is my hope that this centre will complement the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in safeguarding our national infrastructures,” Tinubu expressed. He called for unity among security agencies to tackle the complex security landscape, advocating for a coordinated and collaborative approach.
I-G Egbetokun highlighted that the NPF-NCCC would revolutionize policing in Nigeria, especially in combating cyber threats. The centre represents the police force’s commitment to integrating technology and innovation in addressing cybercrime challenges. It aims to enhance law enforcement’s ability to detect, investigate, and combat cybercrimes through advanced forensic tools and strategic partnerships.
