President Bola Tinubu has officially opened the state-of-the-art National Cybercrime Centre, aimed at bolstering the operational efficiency of law enforcement agencies across the nation.
During the inaugural ceremony held in Abuja, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, delivered the president’s speech, outlining the government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian police force with necessary resources, arms, and ongoing training to enhance the quantity, quality, and readiness of police personnel.
Addressing the audience, the president emphasized the administration’s unwavering determination to combat various forms of criminal activities, particularly cybercrimes which present a contemporary challenge in law enforcement. He highlighted the escalating threat posed by cybercriminals, online fraudsters, and cyber terrorists who exploit the internet for disruptive and unlawful endeavors.
He noted that technological advancements, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the emergence of 5G technology have significantly expanded the realm of cyber threats, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard national security.
Highlighting the surge in social media usage for spreading provocative messages and inciting violence since 2020, the president underscored the government’s strategic policy decisions to address cyber-related crimes effectively.
The president echoed the administration’s commitment to strengthening social security, tackling economic and security challenges, and enhancing Nigeria’s attractiveness for foreign digital investments.
He urged the Inspector General of Police to maximize the cybercrime centre’s capabilities to protect the country’s cyber landscape, drive national development, and foster economic progress.
Emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts over interagency rivalry in countering sophisticated security threats, the president called for unified actions against organized state actors.
Commending the Nigeria Police Force for its proactive steps in combating cybercrimes, the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, acknowledged the critical role of the newly established cybercrime centre in tackling criminal activities in cyberspace.
Gaidam also disclosed an ongoing project, the National Criminal Data Fusion Centre, aimed at digitizing crime records and enhancing information sharing among security agencies once the necessary funding is availed.
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, highlighted the significance of the National Cybercrime Centre in leveraging technology, expertise, and partnerships to combat cybercrimes effectively.