The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Wednesday, said cybercrime posed significant threats to national security.
Egbetokun spoke while declaring open the maiden Nigerian Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF NCCC) 2024 Cybersecurity Week with the theme: “Secure Our World”.
Represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Bala Ciroma, the IG said cybercrime was not a mere technical issue but a matter of national security that required immediate attention.
He averred that cyber criminals were becoming more sophisticated and employing advanced techniques to invade detection and target vulnerability in the emerging technologies.
“This gathering 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 sheer determination to address this critical issue and work together towards a safer and more secured digital world.
“As we embrace the digital age, we must also confront the stake reality that cyber threats pose significant threats to our national security. Cyber Criminals operates across borders, exploiting vulnerability in our systems and targeting individuals businesses and government institutions.
“This threats can disrupt critical infrastructure, compromise sensitive information and undermine the very fabric of our society,” he added.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abiodun Alabi, said securing cyberspace has become inseparable from securing the physical world in era dominated by digital economy and technology.
He said crime fighting the world over has shifted from reactive to proactive policing, preventing crimes before they occur, stating that cybercrime knew no borders and therefore, presented global challenge and demanded international collaboration.
Representative of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Nigeria, Danilo Campisi, said Nigeria police force played a crucial role in protecting national and international cyber environment.
The Director, Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), CP Uche Henry, said the digital age has brought with it incredible advancements, opportunities, and efficiencies, stating that it has also introduced a new frontier of threats that, if not properly addressed, had the potential to cripple systems, disrupt services, and compromise the safety and privacy of our citizens.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, has approved a compensatory payment of N10,000,000 (ten million Naira)support to families of officers involved in a fatal motor accident on September 24, 2024, while returning from the Edo elections special duty to Kano State Command.
He also said in response to the tragic event, the fund was aimed at providing assistance to families of the deceased to enable them navigate the challenging period.
Egbetokun further approved the payment of two million Naira (N2,000,000) to those still receiving treatment to ensure that they received the necessary medical support as they recuperate and another five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000) to those who had been discharged after treatment.
A statement by Force PRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the approval reaffirmed IG’s commitment to support officers and men of the force and their families during trying times.
“The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the immediate payment of relief funds to the families of officers that were involved in a fatal motor accident on 24th September 2024 while returning from the Edo Elections Special Duty to Kano State Command.
“The accident which occurred along the Zaria-Kano Expressway, Karfi Kura, had resulted in the loss of five officers, with 11 hospitalised. After the accident, eight individuals have been successfully discharged from the hospital after receiving medical attention, while three others are still undergoing treatment.”
Egbetokun expressed his deepest condolences to all the families of the deceased and prayed for the quick recovery of those still receiving medical care.
Linus Aleke
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