President Bola Tinubu has committed to bolstering the Nigeria Police Force with increased weapons, training, and personnel to enhance its crime-fighting capabilities.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) and the Nigeria Police Force Resource Centre.
Tinubu, represented by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, stated that the pledge aims to improve the quantity, quality, and preparedness of Nigeria Police personnel.
He explained that the establishment of the NPF-NCCC aligns with the government’s policy objectives to reform the Nigeria Police Force and strengthen national security.
Tinubu highlighted the growing threats from cyber criminals, online financial fraudsters, and cyber terrorists exploiting the internet for their activities. He noted that the rapid advancement of technologies, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the advent of 5G technology have expanded the scope and complexity of cyber-based threats.
Since 2020, Nigeria has seen a significant increase in the use of social media to spread inflammatory messages, inciting violence and unrest. Tinubu emphasized that the Federal Government is undertaking major policy revisions to the National Cybercrime strategies to address these multifaceted threats.
The objective, he said, is to create a prosperous cyberspace and digital economy, ensuring a secure environment for Nigerians and improving the country’s attractiveness for foreign investment.
The president called on the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun, to effectively utilize the NPF-NCCC facilities to protect Nigeria’s cyberspace and promote national development and economic progress.
“I hope this centre will complement the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in protecting national infrastructure by enhancing the monitoring of online activities. The security situation in the country is complex, involving well-organized non-state actors. Addressing it requires a coordinated approach by all stakeholders within the security architecture,” Tinubu stated. He urged the elimination of interagency rivalries and called for a collaborative approach among law enforcement agencies.
In his remarks, the I-G expressed that the inauguration of the center marks a significant advancement in policing against cyber threats. He affirmed that the NPF-NCCC represents the Nigeria Police’s commitment to leveraging technology, innovation, and collaboration to tackle the growing challenges posed by cybercrimes. Egbetokun emphasized that the center will enable law enforcement personnel to use forensic tools, expertise, and partnerships to detect, investigate, and combat cybercrimes in all forms.
