President Bola Tinubu has committed to equipping the Nigeria Police Force with additional weapons, training, and personnel to to boost its capacity to fight crimes.
The President made this promise 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 the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, stated that the pledge would increase the number, quality, and preparedness of Nigeria Police personnel.
He mentioned that the establishment and inauguration of the NPF-NCCC aim to strengthen national security in alignment with the policy objectives of reforming the Nigeria Police Force.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria has seen a rise in threats from cybercriminals, online financial fraudsters, and cyber terrorists who use the internet for their destabilizing activities.
According to him, the rapid advancement of technologies, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the advent of 5G technology have expanded the scope and diversity of cyber-based threats.
The president emphasized that since 2020, the country has experienced an unprecedented surge in the use of social media to spread subversive messages and incite violence and unrest.
He added that the Federal Government is making significant policy decisions to review the National Cybercrime strategies to address the multifaceted threats posed by cybercrimes.
According to him, the goal is to usher in a prosperous future driven by a secure cyberspace and digital economy.
He stated that the Federal Government is committed to prioritizing the security of Nigeria’s cyberspace and enhancing the social security of its citizens.
Tinubu explained that the aim is to address the economic and security challenges facing the country and provide a platform to improve Nigeria’s credibility as a safe destination for foreign investment.
The president urged the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun, to effectively utilize the facilities at the NPF-NCCC to protect Nigeria’s cyberspace and promote national development and economic progress.
“It is my hope that this center will complement the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in the protection of the country’s national infrastructures by enabling a greater level of screening of online activities.
“The security situation in the country is a complex blend of threats posed by well-organised non-state actors.
“Addressing it requires a concerted approach by all stakeholders within the security architecture.
“I therefore call for the elimination of interagency rivalries and urge the law enforcement agencies to embrace a coordinated collaborative approach,” he said.
In his remarks, the I-G said the inauguration of the center would serve as a nerve center to revolutionize policing in Nigeria in the fight against cyber threats.
He noted that the NPF-NCCC is part of the Nigeria Police’s commitment to harnessing technology, innovation, and collaboration to address the growing challenges posed by cybercrimes.
Egbetokun emphasized that the center is a new frontier where law enforcement personnel leverage forensic tools, expertise, and partnerships to detect, investigate, and combat cybercrimes in all forms. (NAN)
