The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has raised concerns about the serious threat cybercrime poses to Nigeria’s national security.
Speaking at the opening of the Nigerian Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF NCCC) 2024 Cybersecurity Week, themed “Secure Our World,” Egbetokun emphasized the need for urgent action to tackle cyber threats.
Represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police for Finance and Administration, DIG Bala Ciroma, Egbetokun described cybercrime as a pressing security issue that goes beyond technical challenges. “Cybercrime is not a mere technical issue but a matter of national security that requires immediate attention,” he stated.
Egbetokun highlighted that cybercriminals are increasingly sophisticated, using advanced tactics to evade detection and exploit vulnerabilities in emerging technologies. He noted, “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. As we embrace the digital age, we must also confront the stark reality that cyber threats pose significant threats to our national security.”
He underscored the cross-border nature of cybercrime, with criminals exploiting system vulnerabilities and targeting individuals, businesses, and government institutions. “These threats can disrupt critical infrastructure, compromise sensitive information, and undermine the very fabric of our society,” he added.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abiodun Alabi, also addressed the gathering, stressing the inseparability of securing cyberspace from protecting the physical world. He pointed out that in a digital economy, policing has evolved from reactive to proactive, focusing on preventing crimes before they occur.
Alabi noted that the NPF NCCC is at the forefront of combating cybercrime, leveraging digital forensics, data analysis, and cybersecurity expertise. He lauded the Centre’s efforts in dismantling major cybercrime networks both domestically and internationally, safeguarding sectors like banking, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure.
