The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has successfully concluded its 2024 Cybersecurity Week, themed “Secure Our World.”
The event which held from October 9 to 10 at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Asokoro, Abuja, brought together key stakeholders to confront cybercrime threats and strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity frameworks.
In his opening remark, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, who was ably represented by DIG Bala Ciroma, emphasized that cybercrime presents a major national security challenge, demanding collective efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
“Cybercriminals are increasingly deploying advanced techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in new technologies,” he warned, underscoring the importance of global collaboration.
DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, fdc, further highlighted the convergence of physical and digital security, noting, “Securing cyberspace is inseparable from securing the physical world, especially in today’s digital economy.”
Earlier CP Uche Henry, Director of NPF-NCCC, in his welcome address, discussed both the opportunities and risks of the digital age. He urged stakeholders to remain alert to the dangers of cybercrime, which can disrupt essential services and endanger citizens’ privacy.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives from organizations such as the Nigerian Communications Agency (NCA), FBI, UNODC, JICA, Nigeria Youth Organization (NYO), and HRH Eze Ifeanyi Eke, Paramount Ruler of Umuchieze.
The Deputy Director of Operations at NPF-NCCC, DCP Usman Ahmed Imam, moderated a critical panel discussion on advancing cybercrime investigations in Nigeria. Distinguished panelists included representatives from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate (Singapore), Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and the National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja.
On the second day, insightful panel discussions focused on digital security, with presentations from industry leaders, panel discussion with Pixel, Hex Forensics, Interswitch, Moniepoint, Microsoft, and INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate Singapore. These sessions tackled vital issues, including data protection, digital forensics, and cyber threat intelligence.
Notable lectures were delivered by Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG of NIMC, and the Chief Executive Officer, Director General, NDPC Dr Vincent Olatunji And representatives from the Federal Ministry of Justice, providing practical strategies for combating identity theft and managing cybersecurity risks. Additional insights were offered by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and experts from financial institutions and ISPs.
The event showcased robust interagency cooperation, with participation from Nigeria Customs Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, FRSC, NSCDC, NAPTIP, and NYSC.
Closing remarks were delivered by DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, represented by AIG Muhammed Adamu Dankwara, reaffirming NPF-NCCC’s dedication to enhancing Nigeria’s digital security.
The successful conclusion of Cybersecurity Week underscores NPF-NCCC’s central role in leading Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime, strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity resilience.
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