Nigeria, UK Launch Joint Task Force to Tackle Cybercrimes, Strengthen Criminal Justice System
In a significant step towards reinforcing global efforts against cybercrime, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cross-border collaboration in combating cyber-enabled offences and strengthening their respective criminal justice systems.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, also marked the formal inauguration of the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime (JCTC)—a multi-agency platform designed to promote coordination, intelligence sharing, and effective prosecution of cyber-related offences.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Fagbemi described the initiative as a “transformative milestone” in Nigeria’s criminal justice architecture, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing the rapidly evolving threat of cybercrime through structured inter-agency and international cooperation.
“The establishment of the Joint Case Team is not merely a procedural development; it represents the realization of a comprehensive vision to counter the menace of cybercrime through synergy, mutual respect, and shared institutional responsibility,” he said.
Highlighting the limitations of legal frameworks in the absence of operational effectiveness, the Attorney-General emphasized the need for empowered personnel and sustained collaboration among investigators and prosecutors. “Laws do not enforce themselves. It is the capacity, cohesion, and coordination of our institutions that determine success in the fight against cyber threats,” he added.
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On behalf of the British Government, Minister of State, Mr. David Hanson, reaffirmed the UK’s support for Nigeria’s anti-cybercrime efforts. He noted that the collaboration would enhance bilateral law enforcement capabilities, contribute to economic stability, and foster a secure digital ecosystem for both nations.
“Cybercrime not only undermines national security but also impedes economic growth and investor confidence. This partnership is timely and strategic, and the UK is fully committed to supporting Nigeria in this critical area,” Hanson stated.
In his remarks, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho (represented by Justice Inyang Ekwo), lauded the initiative as a bold step toward building resilient institutions capable of confronting complex digital threats. He stressed the imperative of a unified global response, given the borderless nature of cybercrime.
“This MoU is a clear demonstration of our shared resolve to address the sophisticated and transnational nature of cybercriminal activities. The digital space is vast and dynamic, and it requires a harmonised and well-coordinated approach,” Justice Tsoho remarked.
The newly inaugurated Joint Case Team comprises key national stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (NgCERT), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Federal High Court.
With this development, Nigeria and the United Kingdom have laid a firm foundation for operational collaboration in cybercrime investigations, prosecution, capacity building, and intelligence exchange, aimed at safeguarding the integrity of both nations’ digital and financial ecosystems.
By PRNigeria
