Police Launch Nationwide Online Campaign to Combat Cybercrime
The Nigeria Police Force has launched a nationwide online awareness campaign aimed at combating cybercrime and promoting safe digital practices among Nigerians.
The campaign, tagged “Real Odogwu No Dey Hide Face,” was initiated through the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) as part of a month-long programme designed to strengthen online safety and encourage responsible internet use across the country.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Abuja, the Director of the NPF-NCCC, Ifeanyi Uche Henry, said the initiative was prompted by the increasing rate and sophistication of cyber threats affecting Nigerian citizens.
Henry noted that cybercrime has become increasingly borderless and dynamic, making it imperative for citizens to remain vigilant while conducting activities online.
According to him, the awareness campaign will educate the public on emerging cyber threats such as identity theft, romance scams, business email compromise (BEC), sextortion and phishing attacks.
He explained that many cyber attacks succeed largely due to lack of awareness among internet users, stressing the need for individuals and organisations to adopt safe digital practices to protect their online identities and assets.
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The cybercrime centre director also issued a warning to individuals involved in cyber-related offences to desist, noting that the centre’s Cyberhawk teams are deploying advanced digital tracking technologies to detect, track and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the support of international partners, particularly the UK National Crime Agency and the City of London Police, describing the collaboration as crucial in strengthening efforts to combat cybercrime and protect digital spaces.
The police therefore urged Nigerians to remain cyber-aware and take proactive measures to secure their devices and digital identities just as they would protect their physical valuables.
Citizens were advised to safeguard sensitive financial information such as ATM PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs) and bank verification numbers (BVNs), adopt strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, avoid suspicious links or messages designed to create urgency, and use secure communication channels when sharing personal or corporate information.
The police authorities expressed optimism that the campaign would enhance public awareness and reduce the growing threats posed by cybercriminals operating within and outside the country.
By PRNigeria
