Cyber Criminality: IGP Egbetokun warns of increased system exploitation, targeting of government, Business institutions being recorded; Says it’s a threat to National Security

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has raised the alarm over increasing cyber-criminality in the country saying more systems exploitations, exploitation of vulnerable cyber space, individuals, businesses and government institutions are being recorded

Speaking at Cyber security awareness campaign organized by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre on Wednesday, the IGP represented by DIG Bala Ciroma, DIG in charge Administration said the threats posed by cyber criminality can disrupt critical infrastructure and compromise sensitive information, among others.

According to Egbetokun, “The gathering of Cyber experts is a testament to our collective resolve and commitment to confronting cyber crime 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.

“Cyber Criminals 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”.

In his welcome remarks, the Director, Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre, NPF-NCCC,CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry disclosed that fighting the plague of Cyber criminality should be seen as a shared responsibility “to ensure that Nigeria remains resilient in the face of these threats and continues to foster a secure cyberspace for all its citizens”.

His said, “In today’s interconnected world, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. The digital age has brought with it incredible advancements, opportunities, and efficiencies. However, 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.

“Cybercrime knows no borders, and its impact can be felt across all sectors, from finance to healthcare, and from government to individuals.

Today’s event, therefore, comes at a critical time. As cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication and scale, it is crucial that all stakeholders—government agencies, law enforcement, private sector partners, and individuals—come together to share knowledge, expertise, and strategies to counter these growing challenges.

“It is our shared responsibility to ensure that Nigeria remains resilient in the face of these threats and continues to foster a secure cyberspace for all its citizens.

“The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre was established with this very objective in mind: to serve as a specialized body dedicated to combating cybercrime and enhancing the cyber resilience of the nation.

“Over the years, we have collaborated with various agencies, both locally and internationally, to build a robust framework for cybercrime investigation, digital forensics, and capacity building.

Today’s event is a continuation of our ongoing efforts to create awareness, foster collaboration, and enhance cybersecurity capabilities across all sectors.

He appreciated all the cybersecurity experts present participating in the campaign noting “Your expertise is invaluable, and your dedication to this field is commendable. Your contributions have been instrumental in shaping the cybersecurity landscape, and I am confident that the insights you will share during this campaign will further strengthen our collective response to cyber threats.

“To the representatives of the various government agencies present, I thank you for your continued partnership. Cybersecurity is not the sole responsibility of one organization; it is a shared duty. Your collaboration and support are essential to ensuring that our national cybersecurity strategy is comprehensive and effective.

“As we proceed with this campaign, I encourage us all to actively engage in the discussions, share our experiences, and explore new ways of addressing the ever-changing nature of cyber threats. Together, we can build a more secure digital environment and ensure that Nigeria is well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future.

CP Uche “reiterated our commitment, as the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, to ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s digital space. We remain steadfast in our resolve to combat cybercrime, protect our citizens, and enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of the nation”.

In his address titled ‘Secure Our World’, UNODC Deputy Representative in Nigeria, Mr Danilo Campisi said, “It is critical to understand that cybersecurity is a fundamental component of human progress, justice, and security.

“The Nigeria Police Force is entrusted with playing a crucial role in protecting the national and international cyber environments through its National Cybercrime Center. This is a significant responsibility, one that affects every facet of contemporary life.

“At the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), we fully understand the complexities of combating cybercrime. Cyberspace serves as a battlefield for illegal
activity as well as a place for creativity.

“Cybercriminals pose sophisticated,
borderless, and frequently undetectable risks.

“Through creative, integrated, and
tailored solutions, UNODC is dedicated to assisting Member States in bolstering
international responses to combat and prevent crimes that are dependent on, or
enabled by the internet.

“This workshop is a perfect example of the teamwork required to counter cyber threats. Law enforcement, international organizations, the private sector, and key stakeholders must collaborate to effectively tackle cybercrime.

“We are not only safeguarding data; we are also preserving lives, promoting trust, and making sure that cybercrime does not impede development in Nigeria and elsewhere by exchanging knowledge, increasing capacity, and fortifying legal frameworks.

UNODC continues to be an ally of Nigeria in this respect. We are dedicated to supporting the Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders to create a better, more secure digital future through our collaborative efforts on crime prevention, criminal justice reform, and capacity building.